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OOnnlDAVIDJSOM 


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THE  LIBRARY 
OF 

THE  UNIVERSITY 

OF  CALIFORNIA 

RIVERSIDE 


GODFRID A 


By  the  Same  Author 

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GODFRIDA 


A    PLAY    IN    FOUR    ACTS 


JOHN    LANE:    THE    BODLEY    HEAD 

NEW    YORK    AND    LONDON 

1898 


1)3  <^         ^^ 


All  rights,  including  acting  rights,  reserved. 

Entered  according  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1898,  by  John  Davidson, 

in  the  Office  of  the  Librarian  of  Congress,  at  Washington. 

Entered  at  Stationers'  Hall. 


Snibtrsttg  i|ress: 
John  Wilson  and  Son,  Cambridge,  U.  S.  A. 


PROLOGUE 


Interviewer 
Poet 

Interviewer.  I  understand  you  are  about  to  publish  a 
play  which  you  have  written  for  the  stage. 

Poet.   Yes. 

Interviewer.  Pardon  me,  but  do  you  think  it  wise  to 
publish  a  play  before  it  has  been  produced  ? 

Poet.    I  intend  to  produce  it  before  publication. 

Interviewer.  Ah,  yes;  to  secure  the  dramatic  rights. 
But  I  mean  that  people  will  not  read  a  play  which  they 
have  not  seen. 

Poet.  I  would  not  care  to  invite  an  audience  to  witness 
a  play  which  I  could  not  invite  my  readers  to  peruse. 

Interviewer.   Well.  —  Is  it  in  verse  ? 

Poet.    Principally.     There  is  some  prose  dialogue. 

Interviewer.  Then  is  it  a  continuation  of  your  attempt 
to  revive  the  Jacobean  poetic  drama  ? 

Poet.  My  attempt  to  do  so  ?  I  never  made  such  an 
attempt. 


2  PROLOGUE 

Interviewer.  I  understood  you  had  done  so  in  your 
early  plays,  just  as  you  attempted  lately  to  revive  the 
Elizabethan  eclogue. 

Poet.  Nothing  was  further  from  my  mind  than  either 
revival.  My  endeavour  was  always  to  write  Victorian 
plays,  Victorian  eclogues. 

Interviewer.  Then,  do  you  assure  me  that  your  early 
plays  were  written  for  the  stage  ? 

Poet.  I  had  the  stage  in  my  mind,  but  constantly  lost 
sight  of  it,  except  in  "  Scaramouch  in  Naxos  ;  "  it  I  hope 
to  see  performed  some  day. 

Interviewer.  But  is  not  verse  on  the  stage  a  lapse 
from  modernity  —  a  backsliding  1 

Poet-    I  think  not. 

Interviewer.  You  have  expressed  somewhere  in  your 
writings  an  intense  admiration  of  Ibsen.  Will  his  influ- 
ence be  found  in  your  play  ? 

Poet.   I  think  not. 

Interviewer.    Have  you  ceased  to  admire  Ibsen  ? 

Poet.  Oh,  no !  I  share  the  opinion  of  those  who  re- 
gard him  as  the  most  impressive  writer  of  his  time,  as  the 
most  expert  playwright,  and  most  original  dramatist  the 
world  has  seen. 

Interviewer.    But  you  are  not  a  disciple  ? 

Poet.    No ;  nothing  comes  of  discipleship  except  mis- 


PROLOGUE  3 

interpretation.  That  seems  to  me  the  history  of  all 
schools. 

Iiiteruieiver.  But  if  Ibsen  is  as  great  as  you  say,  would 
it  not  be  wise  to  follow  in  his  steps  ? 

Poet.  No;  it  would  be  as  foolish,  as  it  is  unneces- 
sary, to  attempt  to  do  over  again  what  Ibsen  has 
done. 

Interviewer.  Can  you  not  extend  the  path  he  has  laid 
down,  then  ? 

Poet.  No ;  any  step  forward  from  Ibsen  would  land 
me  in  some  mystical  abyss,  or  some  slough  of  Naturalism. 
For  me  Ibsen  is  the  end,  not  the  beginning. 

Interviewer.  Do  you  propose  your  own  play  as  a  new 
beginning  ? 

Poet.  No.  Before  I  sat  down  to  write  "Godfrida" 
I  read  over  my  early  plays,  and  the  lot  was  cast  for 
Romance. 

Interviewer.   What  do  you  mean  by  Romance  ? 

Poet.  A  pertinent  question.  I  mean  by  Romance  the 
essence  of  reality.  Romance  does  not  give  the  bunches 
plucked  from  the  stem  :  it  offers  the  wine  of  life  in  chased 
goblets.  I  have  moulded  and  carved  my  goblet  to  the 
best  of  my  art ;  and  I  have  crushed  wine  into  it.  To 
leave  this  Euphuism,  I  take  men  and  women  as  I  know 
them  —  the   brain-sick,    Isembert,  Ekmengarde;    the 


4  PROLOGUE 

healthy,  Godfrida,  Siward  ;  but  that  I  myself  may 
realise  them,  and  make  them  more  apparent  and  more 
engaging  to  ah  audience,  I  place  them  in  an  imaginary 
environment,  and  in  the  colour  and  vestments  of  another 
time. 

Interviewer.  What  is  the  main  idea  of  your  play  ? 
Can  you  tell  ? 

Poet.    It  has  been  my  companion  long  enough  for  that, 

I    hope.     You  may  find   the   poles   of  my  play  in  this 

quotation :  — 

"...  no  felicity 

Can  spring  in  men,  except  from  barbed  roots 

Of  discontent  and  envy,  deeply  struck 

In  some  sore  heart  that  hoped  to  have  the  flower," 

and  in  this,  — 

"  I  have  had  a  vision  of  the  soul  of  life, 
And  love  alone  is  worthy." 

Interviewer.  What  was  your  object  in  writing  this 
play? 

Poet.    My  object  was  to  give  delight. 

Interviewer.   Do  you  consider  that  a  high  aim  ? 

Poet.    I  consider  it  the  highest  aim  of  art. 

Interviewer.    To  give  delight  ? 

Poet.  Yes;  to  give  delight  is  to  impart  strength  most 
directly,  most  permanently. 


PROLOGUE  5 

Interviewer.  Is  there  anything  else  you  wish  to  say 
about  "Godfrida"  ? 

Poet.  Yes.  When  I  was  a  boy  I  knew  by  heart  Kings- 
ley's  "  Hereward  the  Wake,"  having  read  it  every  Sun- 
day for  several  years  in  a  bound  volume  of  Good  Words. 
As  I  developed  my  play  a  memory  of  "  Hereward,"  which 
I  did  not  recognise  at  first,  besieged  my  fancy.  Becom- 
ing conscious  of  its  source,  and  being  quite  unable  to  get 
away  from  it,  I  obtained  the  kind  permission  of  Kings- 
ley's  representatives  to  use  it.  The  matter  I  have  taken 
occupies  a  few  paragraphs  of  the  novel ;  but  it  is  impor- 
tant in  the  play. 

Interviewer.   When  will  it  be  produced  in  London  ? 

Poet.   I  have  made  no  arrangements. 

Interviewer.   Thank  you. 

Poet.   Good-day. 


THE  PERSONS  OF  THE  PLAY 

ISEMBERT The  Chancellor  of  Provence. 

SiWARD The  Constable  of  Provence. 

Adomar A  foolish  person. 

Cyprian Isetnberf  s  secretary. 

Ingleram Godfrida' s  uticle. 

Dagobert Siward's  predecessor  in  office. 

Berthold A  drunkard. 

Pages  to  the  Duchess. 

Gaucelm Seneschal  of  the  Palace. 

LuDOVic The  Captain  of  the  Guard. 

Thangbrand      .......     Siward^s  man, 

Marcabrun  )  „      ,      . 

\ itpadassins. 

Melchior     ) 

The  Lieutenant  of  the  Guard. 

Ermengarde The  Duchess  of  Provettce. 

Godfrida. 

Clare Godfrida' s  companion. 

Ladies  and  Gentlemen^  Men-at-arms,  Halberdiers  and  Servants. 

Time  :   The  tniddle  of  the  Foiirtecnth  Century. 

Scene;  Provence.  The  first  three  acts  take  place  in  Aries  on  the 
forenoon^  afternoon^  and  evening,  respectively,  of  one  day  ;  the 
fotirth  act  among  the  ruins  of  Theodoric's  Castle  at  some  distance 
from  Aries  on  the  evening  of  the  day  followitig. 


GODFRIDA 


ACT   I 

SCENE.  — A  room  in  IngleraiiCs  house  in  Aries.  At 
the  back  a  large  door  opens  into  a  garden.  Through 
the  trees  in  the  garden  glimpses  of  the  horizon^  a 
rolling  wooded  line.,  arc  seen.  On  the  left  of  the 
garden  the  backs  of  other  houses  arc  visible.  There 
are  doors  right  and  left,  that  on  the  left  being  well 
back.  A  broad  latticed  window  at  the  back  looks  on 
the  gardens  a  smaller  otic  in  a  recess  commands  the 
street.  The  walls  are  hung  with  tapestry.  In  front 
on  the  right  a  table  with  foiir  chairs  set  about  it:  a 
flask  of  wine  and  glasses  are  on  the  table.  There  is 
a  seat  in  the  recess;  and  on  the  window-sill  several 
vellum-bound  books.  In  front  on  the  left  a  couch. 
Chairs  on  which  are  the  hats  of  Ingleram,  etc.,  are 
set  conveniently .  A  spinning-wheel  near  the  large 
window.    A  summer  morning. 


8  GODFRIDA  [act  I 

When  the  act-drop  rises  Ingleram  is  closing  the 
door  at  the  back  j  and  Dagobert  and  Berthold 
are  seated  at  the  table.  Ingleram  is  sto7it ;  grey 
hairy  motistache,  and  pointed  beard ;  abotit fifty  ;  richly 
dressed.  Berthold  is  pouring  out  wine  for  him- 
self; his  hair  is  untidy.,  and  he  has  a  dissipated 
appearance  J  about  thirty  five ;  his  dress  has  been 
splendid^  but  is  faded  and  stained.  Dagobert, 
about  thirty,  lottnges  with  his  head  on  his  handj 
richly  dressed. 

With  the  exception  of  Godfrida,  Ingleram, 
Clare,  and  the  servants.,  the  persons  in  this  act 
enter  and  go  ottt  by  the  door  on  the  left. 

Berthold.   Cyprian  is  coming. 

Ingleram  {^sitting  at  the  head  of  the  table^  Rejoins 
us,  then. 

Berthold.   Yes. 

Ingleratn.  I  have  not  seen  him  since  he  returned  from 
Algiers. 

Berthold.  He  is  the  portrait  of  discontent.  If  he 
were  the  only  creature  left  alive,  I  believe  he  would  cut 
Iiis  own  throat  to  be  avenged  on  mankind. 

Inglerafn.    He  was  shamefully  neglected. 

Berthold.    More  so  than  we  imagined.     He  tells  me 


ACT  i]  GODFRIDA  9 

that  besides  his  own  venture,  he  sailed  upon  business  for 
the  Duchess  herself  when  the  Dey's  galleys  seized  him. 

Inglerain.   And  she  would  not  ransom  him  ! 

Berthold.  Oh,  she  promised !  But  the  late  Duke  left 
the  treasury  at  a  low  ebb  ;  and  then  came  the  war  with 
Esplandian  to  keep  her  coffers  empty, 

Ingleram.   That  will  not  solace  Cyprian. 

Berthold.  No ;  it  is  difficult  to  console  a  man  for  a 
year's  slavery;  his  very  soul  is  tanned  and  wealed. 

Dagobert.  It  puzzles  me  to  think  why  Isembert  should 
have  paid  his  ransom. 

Ingleram.  Isembert,  having  climbed  into  the  Chan- 
cellorship by  the  usual  ladder  of  friends,  kicked  the 
ladder  down  in  the  usual  way.  Now,  a  man  in  power,  if 
he  has  no  friends,  must  have  creatures  ;  and  so  Isembert 
hopes  he  has  bought  Cyprian,  body  and  soul. 

Berthold.  But  I  know  better.  Cyprian  serves  only 
his  own  ends  ;  and  that  Lucifer  will  find. 

Ingleram.    Lucifer  ? 

Berthold.  His  excellency,  the  Chancellor,  Isembert 
the  proud. 

Ingleratn.  Proud  is  too  good  for  him ;  an  impudent, 
fantastical,  spurious  sort  of  genius.  Provence  is  tired 
of  him. 

Dagobert.    But   why  the   devil   is   Cyprian  late  ?     We 


lO  GOD  FK  ID  A.  [act  i 

shall  see  no  part  of  the  tournament  if  we  have  not  our 
talk  over  quickly. 

Berthold.  True.  And  the  tournament  will  not  see  us, 
which  would  set  tongues  wagging.  I  wonder  if  he  is 
near.  \Goes  out  atid  re-enters  iininediately .^  Here  he 
comes  !     \_Sits  and  pours  out  wine  for  himself. 

Enter  Cyprian.  He  stands  near  the  centre  of  the  stage. 
He  is  plainly  dressed  in  dark  garments  j  his  face  is 
almost  black  J  his  hair  grizzled.  He  has  an  inkhorn 
and  case  of  pens  at  his  girdle. 

Ingleram  [rises  and  offers  his  hand.  Cyprian  gives 
him  a  fngerl.  Welcome  back  to  Provence,  Cyprian. 
Our  plot  needed  only  you.  You  shall  bring  us  luck ;  fate 
has  some  peculiar  use  for  a  man  who  is  snatched  from 
the  grave. 

CyPrian.    From  a  worse  place. 

Ingleram  [jocosely'].  Indeed,  you  have  been  singed. 
[Resumes  his  seat.^  Sit,  Cyprian.  We  have  little 
time. 

Cyprian  [doggedly].  I  must  know  more  than  Ber- 
thold has  told  me.  I  must  know  the  individual  roots  of 
your  conspiracy.  My  own  ill-will  at  the  world  is  of  the 
simplest,  the  deepest.  I  thought  myself  as  others  do,  a 
careless,  gallant  fellow,  capable  of  heroism  —  when  there 


ACT  I]  GODFRIDA  II 

is  nothing  else  for  it.     A  cut  or  two  of  the  bastinado, 
and   I  howled  out  my  recantation. 

Datrobert.    Forswore  the  cross  ! 

Cyprian.  And  was  despised  for  mj'  pains;  set  to  the 
most  laborious  and  meanest  employments :  chained  and 
scourged.  If  I  know  myself,  I  take  my  stand  deliber- 
ately on  the  side  of  evil.  l\Iy  purse  is  empty  ;  my  misery 
fathomless.  Your  plot  promises  —  to  me,  wealth ;  to 
Isembert,  whom  I  hate  for  his  arrogant  appropriation 
of  my  life,  ruin  and  despair  ;  but  before  I  sit  with  you 
I  must  know  why  you,  and  you,  and  you  have  become 
traitors :  to  secure  myself  against  betrayal  I  must  be 
certain  tliat  it  is  your  pleasure  to  sacrifice  the  world's 
good  opinion  and  your  own  self-respect. 

Ingleram   [unc'usi'/f].     Well  — 

Berthold  \angrily\     Oh  ! 

Dagobert.    Bravely   pronounced.     \Rises'\     You    face 
the  naked  fact. 
We  're  ruined  too,  bankrupt  in  purse  and  soul. 
Old  Ingleram  !ias  spent  his  niece's  dower; 
Under  the  Duchess  shame,  imprisonment, 
Perhaps  a  halter,  lie  in  wait  for  him. 
Berthold  is  deep  in  debt  to  Ingleram  ; 
And  for  myself  — 

Ingleram    {starting  up'].      I    shall  account   for    you. 


12  GODFRIDA  [act  i 

Our  poor  Dagobert  —  there  's  for  your  "  old  Ingleram  " 
—  I  say  our  simple  Dagobert,  as  you  know,  was  once 
Constable  of  Provence.  Surely  that  is  reason  enough 
why  he  should  avenge  himself  on  Siward,  a  wandering 
fellow,  who  changed  defeat  into  victory,  drove  Esplan- 
dian  over  the  border,  and  supplanted  Dagobert  in  her 
Grace's  favour. 

Dagobert.   Eclipsed,  abandoned,  broken,  thrust  aside, 
Except  as  traitors  we  are  wholly  lost. 
Wealth,  power,  and  vengeance  will  repay  our  crime 
If  to  Esplandian  we  deliver  up 
The  Duchess  and  her  coveted  Provence. 

Cyprian.   Yes.     Well;  I  join  you.  [They  all  sit. 

Ingleram    \efftisively\     My  dear  Cyprian  — 

Cyprian.  No  hypocritical  fellowship.  We  know  what 
we  are.  —  Why  will  the  Duchess  not  wed  Esplandian  ? 
That  no  one  has  ever  told  me.  He  is  her  cousin,  and 
the  next  heir.  It  would  be  a  most  politic  union  ;  besides, 
it  would  deliver  her  from  Isembert,  at  whose  control  she 
begins  to  chafe. 

Itiglera?n.  There  it  is  !  The  late  Duke  urged  the  mar- 
riage on  his  death-bed  ;  and  that  is  Esplandian's  excuse 
for  his  former  invasion,  for  the  invasion  which  is  pre- 
paring, and  for  our  policy. 

Dagobert.   Then  he  is  much  older  than  she ;  and,  if 


ACT  l]  GOD  FR  ID  A  1 3 

she  were  to  wed  him,  she  would  become  of  no  importance 
in  the  state,  he  being,  as  you  say,  the  next  heir,  and  an 
exceedingly  crafty  ruler.  Moreover,  she  is  resolved  never 
to  wed  at  all.     In  fact  — 

Berthold  \_nses,  i)iipaticntly\  She  is  a  woman,  and 
will  have  her  own  way.  \Crosses  to  doot-  on  the  IcftJ] 
I  'm  for  the  tournament.  There  is  no  more  to  be  said. 
Come,  we  shall  be  missed. 

\^A  general  movement  toiuards  the  left  door. 

Cyprian.  This  will  end,  as  it  begins,  with  the  spilling 
—  of  wine.     You  have  no  plot. 

Ingleratn.  Nonsense !  Esplandian  has  stolen  across 
the  Rhone  already,  and  I  expect  an  immediate  message 
from  him. 

Efiter  IsEMBERT.  He  ts  tally  clean-shaved ;  iron-grey 
hair  hanging  to  his  shoulders ;  between  forty  and 
fifty ;  richly  dressed. 

Ingleram.   The  Chancellor ! 

Dagobert.    Isembert ! 

Berthold  [swaggers  up  to  Isemhert  and  offers  his 
haftd,  which  Imsebert  declines\  Most  opportune! 
We  four  desperadoes,  plotting  some  means  of  restora- 
tion to  her  Grace's  favour,  talked  of  you  this  very  mo- 
ment ;  and,  you  know,  talk  of  the  devil  — 


14  GOD  FR  ID  A  [act  i 

Isembert.   And  don't  tell  him  too  much  of  your  mind. 

\^Crosscs  to  Ingleram. 

Berthold  {blustering  after  Isembert].  You  disdain 
me,  sir? 

Isembert  [over  his  shoulder'].  I  disdain  your  condi- 
tion. 

Berthold.  By  stoop  and  cup,  sir,  I  would  have  you 
know  that  I  can  be  brimful  of  wine  and  yet  not  drunk ! 

Isetnbei't.  So  can  a  bottle.  —  Ingleram,  I  want  you. 
[Ingleram  boivs  stiffly.  As  the  others  seem  indisposed 
to  leave.,  Isembert  looks  from  them  to  the  door  on  the 
left  J  and  they  go  out,  Dagobert  jmtntily,  and  Ber- 
thold in  a  fume.  As  Cyprian  goes  out  Isembert 
gives  him  a  significant  glance^  to  which  he  replies  with  a 
nod.]     What  keeps  Godfrida  from  the  tournament? 

Ingleram.    I  wish  I  knew  !     Not  her  own  will. 

Isembert.  Whose  then  ? 

Ingleram.   The  Duchess  flatly  bade  her  stay  at  home. 
[Isembert  walks  across  the  stage  in  deep  thought, 
paying  no  heed  to  the  rest  of  Ingleram's 
speech.] 
It  puzzles  me.     They  were  companions  —  friends 
Since  childhood  ;  daily  meetings,  messages. 
Letters  and  gifts  cense  suddenly,  no  cause 
Assigned.  —  I  am  afraid  I  tire  you. 


ACT  I]  GODFRIDA  \c 

Isembert.  No ; 

I  was  n't  listening. 

InglerajH.  Then  what  brings  you  here? 

Isembert.    I  wish  to  see  your  niece. 

Ingleratii.  Concerning  what  ? 

Isejubert.   I  love  her. 

Inglerain  \astonishcd\     You  among  the  fry  of  boys, 
Of  widowers,  dotards,  and  adventurers 
Wlio  seek  her  for  her  fortune  and  her  face  ! 

Isembert  [scornfully].     Her  fortune  ! 

\_Goes  up  stage. 

Ingleratn  [to  himself].     Does  he  know?  .  .  .  What 
hope  have  you  ? 

Isembert.    The  highest  hope.     This  is  the  day  the  fate 
Within  me  has  appointed  to  disclose 
The  love  that  in  Godfrida's  heart  and  mine, 
Unhidden  though  unuttered,  waits  my  word. 

Ingleratn.   Godfrida  is  a  girl,  and  you  as  old 
Almost  as  I. 

Isembert.      Time  is  the  earliest  thrall 
Enslaved  by  men  who  shape  the  world.     My  years 
Are  all  attainments  in  Godfrida's  eyes. 

[Looking  out  at  the  back.] 
She  has  Just  now  left  the  garden.     Bid  her  come. 

Ingleram.    This  overweening  style  of  yours  to  me  ! 


1 6  GODFRIDA  [act  I 

Isembert.   To  you,  sir.    Bid  her  come. 

\Covtes  down  stage. 
Ingleram  \to  himself  \  What  does  he  know? 

[Goes  out  at  the  back. 
Isembert  crosses  quickly  to  the  door  on  the  lefty 
which  he  opens.     Re-enter  Cyprian. 
Cyprian.   You  want  me  ? 

Isembert.  Yes.     Hide  somewhere  in  the  street. 

When  Ingleram  has  gone,  return.     [QwKXh^ goes  out.'\ 
\Re-enter  Ingleram />-(?;«  the  gar  den. '\ 

She  comes  ? 
Ingleram.   After  a  little.     She  is  with  the  maids. 
Isembert.   She  is  a  famous  housewife,  I  believe. 
I  shall  await  her  here.    Follow  your  friends.    [Ingleram 

goes  out  surlily  by  the  door  on  the  left.'\ 
This  drudge  was  once  a  man  !     Ignoble  aims 
Meanly  pursued  would  rot  a  hero's  heart. 

[Re-enter  Cyprian.] 
Well ;  a  conspiracy  ? 

Cyprian.  As  you  divined. 

I  am  hand  and  glove  with  them  to  share  the  spoil 
After  Esplandian's  [ironically']  certain  victory. 
Isembert.   They    know    Esplandian   has   crossed    the 
Rhone  ?     [Cyprian  assejits.'] 
What  is  the  arch  —  the  keystone  of  their  scheme  .'' 


ACT  i]  GODFRIDA  I7 

Cyprian.   'T  is  all  unhewn.     They  wait   Esplandian's 

stroke. 
Isemberi.    But  Siward's  prowess:  have  they  counted 

that? 
Cyprian.   They  have  counted  nothing  but  necessity  — 
Their  debts,  disgraces,  losses,  wounded  pride. 
Isembert-   Well,  we  shall  see.     Back  with  you  to  the 
lists. 
And  not  a  word  of  this  to  Ermengarde : 
If  she  should  ask  for  me,  say  I  am  busy. 

[Cyprian  goes  out. 

Enter  Godfrida  from  the  garden ;  beautiful ;  twenty 
years  old.  She  is  grave  on  her  entrance.,  but  as  soon 
as  she  sees  Isembert  the  cloud  passes  from  her  face. 

Godfrida.   Oh,  my  lord  Chancellor !     My  uncle  said  — 
And  doggedly  refused  the  suppliant's  name  — 
A  hapless  lover  sought  his  coup-de-grdce. 
Good-morning,  Isembert. 

Isetnbert  {holding  her  hand].     I  am  tongue-tied 
Before  your  beauty,  now  that  I  have  come 
To  claim  it  for  my  own. 

Godfrida  [withdraws    her  hand,    amazed  at  first; 
then  pleasantly].     Well-acted,  sir! 
What  part  shall  I  play  in  your  comedy  ? 

2 


1 8  GODFRIDA  [act  i 

Isembert.   You  .  .  .  No !     My  love  for  you  unknown 
to  you  ? 
Have  you  not  watched  and  felt  yourself  become 
The  essence,  the  idea  of  my  life? 
Your  eyes  are  branded  on  my  heart ;  your  voice 
Stored  in  my  hearing  like  a  golden  hoard; 
The  lustre  of  your  presence  gilds  the  world ; 
Your  haunting  memory  lights  my  loneliness : 
And  I  believed  you  loved  me. 

Codfrida  [sadfy].  That  was  rash. 

But  men  will  still  mistake  good-will  for  love. 

[Goes  up  stage. 

Isembert.   You  love  me  not !     [Godfrida  is  about  to 
go  out.]    Godfrida!    [Godfrida  turns.']     Hate 
me  then. 
This  sorrow,  this  majestic  tenderness 
Disarms  and  baffles  me.     Be  petulant ; 
Be  scornful ;  sting  my  pride  ;  then  could  I  hate 
And  wound  you  with  a  scorpion-lash  of  words  : 
Give  me  your  hate ;  for  I  must  love  or  hate. 

Godfrida.    But  it  is  thanks  I  owe  you,  Isembert. 
I  think  that  love  when  it  is  love  indeed 
Exceeds  in  value  everything  besides  : 
When  I  shall  love  I  hope  for  thanks  at  least. 
Believe  me,  sir,  I  thank  you  from  my  heart. 

[Goes  out  at  the  back. 


ACT  i]  GODFRIDA  1 9 

Isembert  [^sitiks  on  the  couch,  then  rises  slowly^ 
Must  I  distrust  my  passion  and  my  hope, 
The  angels  of  my  life,  that  ne'er  till  now 
Misled  me?     Can  it  be  that  like  the  ruck 
Of  humankind  my  passion  and  my  hope 
Are  only  lackeys  to  my  vanity  ? 
I  know  not  what  to  do,  or  what  to  think  ! 
This  is  defeat  —  for  me,  whose  thoughts  are  deeds. 

[Goes  up  stage  and  looks  out.'\ 
Already  gone !     When  in  her  heart  she  feels 
And  truly  understands  tliat  I  .  .  .  Yes  !    Clare  ! 
Kilter  Clare  frofn  the  garden ;  about  forty j  calm  and 
gentle,  without  the  appearance  of  a  depoidatit. 
Clare.    Your  excellency  ? 

Isetnbert.  I  shall  come  to-day  again  — ' 

To-day. 

Clare.    To  see  my  mistress,  sir  ? 
Isembert.  To-day  — 

After  the  tournament.  [Goes  out. 

Clare  sunnnons  seriumts,   who  enter  from  the 
right  and  remove  the  flask  and  glasses.    God- 
FRIDA  re-enters  from  the  right,  and  sitting  in 
the  window-seat  becotnes  abso^'bed  in  a  book. 
Clare.  The  Chancellor 

Will  visit  you  to-day  again,  he  says. 


20  GODFRIDA  [act  i 

Godfrida.    Indeed,  I  hope  not,  and  I  think  not,  Clare. 
[  When  the  servants  have  gone,  Godfrida  takes 
her  book  to  the  table  atid  begins  to  pore  over 
it.     Clare  sits  at  the  spinning-wheel. 

Clare.   What  are  you  reading  ? 

Godfrida.  Magic,  sorcery ; 

Of  love-charms  and  of  love. 

Clare.  You  are  in  love. 

Godfrida  [startled].     I  never  said  it,  Clare. 

Clare.  No,  but  I  know  : 

You  are  in  love  with  Siward. 

Godfrida.  What  is  this? 

Siward  ?     My  champion  is  Sir  Adomar, 

Clare  [amused].    Oh  !    Adomar  ! 

Godfrida.  He  wears  my  ribbon. 

Clare.  True ; 

He  is  your  valentine  ;  but  that  is  play : 
You  have  not  said  three  words  to  Adomar. 

Godfrida.    I  have  not  said  one  word  to  Siward  yet; 
Nor  met  him  ;  nor  been  near  him.  ' 

Cla7-e.  But  your  thoughts 

Have  parleyed :  you  remember  when  he  rode, 
After  his  first  great  victory,  down  the  street, 
How  from  your  lattice  —  Oh,  I  watched  you  well !  — 
His  eyes  drank  in  a  look  of  yours.     And  then 


ACT  I]  GODFRIDA  21 

Your  constant  talks  with  Anselm,  Siward's  friend, 
And  yours  —  nothing  but  Siward  and  his  deeds, 
His  beauty  and  his  strength  ! 

Godfrida  [half  angry,  half  happy\     You  witch  !     For 
shame  ! 
I  talk  of  whom  I  please. 

Clare.  Who  pleases  you. 

Godfrida.    Does  Anselm  think  I  love  this  Norseman, 
then? 
Clare,  do  they  talk  of  this  ?     Is  this  supposed  ? 
I  am  a  woman  :  I  can  veil  my  thoughts  : 
It  cannot  be;  a  child  can  hide  her  love. 

Clare.    Not  from  a  witch.     A  silly  prating  boy, 
Like  Anselm,  sees  it  not ;  nor  any  one 
Save  me  :  your  secret  is  your  own  and  mine  .  .  . 
And  Siward's  too. 

Godfrida.  Impossible  !  —  Clare  ?  —  Speak! 

Clare.    If  to  Godfrida  Anselm  talks  of  Siward 
In  frankest  innocence  and  boyish  pride. 
He  talks  to  Siward  of  Godfrida  too. 
A  soldier  knows  the  world :  in  Anselm's  looks 
Fresh  from  your  presence  Siward  sees  a  glass 
That  holds  an  image  of  your  secret  love. 
And  now  I  think  of  it,  another  knows : 
Do  you  not  guess  why  you  are  driven  from  court  ? 


22  GODFRIDA  [act  i 

Codfrida.   The  Duchess's  caprice.    Thrice  in  a  month 
She  has  commanded  me  to  keep  the  house. 
She  has  the  power,  and  treats  me  like  a  girl. 

Clare.    No  more  than  that  you  think. 

Godjrida.  What  do  you  mean  ? 

Clare.    The  tournament.     To-day  Siward  will  fight 
And  carry  off  the  prize. 

Godfrida.  I  hope  so.     Well  1 

Clare.   Why,  every  time  you   have  been  driven  from 
court 
Some  festival  or  pageant  was  on  foot. 

Codfrida.    What  then? 

Clare.  Siward  and  you  have  never  met. 

Godfrida.    In  God's  name,  cousin,  tell  me  what  you 
mean  ! 

Clare.    The  Duchess  Ermengarde  is  jealous  of  you. 
It  all  grows  clear  to  me  now  as  we  talk. 

Godfrida.   Jealous  of  me  !     Does  she  love  Siward  too? 

Clare.    You  are  her  only  rival  in  the  land  j 
As  rich,  as  beautiful,  and  people  say 
Sweeter,  and  of  a  nobler  mind  than  she. 

Godfrida.   This  cannot  be  !  In  love  with  Siward  ?  No ; 
The  Duchess  means  to  live  and  die  unwed ; 
Often  she  told  me  so  when  we  were  friends. 
What  friends  we  were  too,  Clare!     But  that  is  past. 


ACT  I]  GODFRIDA  23 

During  her  reign  I  was  to  rule,  she  said  : 
She  reigns ;  and  all  our  friendship  is  forgot. 

Clare.   Her  jealousy. 

Godfrida  [with  an   impatient  gesture  returns  to  her 
book.     After  a  brief  pause\     Clare,  did  you  ever 
make 
A  philtre  of  a  wr}^neck  smoked  and  ground  ? 

Clare.    That  have  I. 

Godfrida.  Did  the  philtre  work  your  will  ? 

Clare.    She  whom  I  made  it  for  obtained  her  wish. 

Godfrida.    Let  us  make  such  a  love-compelling  charm. 

Clare.   There  's  art  more  subtle,  magic  braver  far. 
And  craft  more  potent  than  a  shelf  of  books. 
No  spell,  no  philtre,  no  melodious  charm 
Did  ever  make  a  hateful  woman  loved, 
Or  make  her  lovely.     Beauty,  youth,  and  grace 
Enchant  against  the  strongest  sorcery. 

Godfrida.     But  that 's  no  news  ;  for  five  strange  years 
have  men 
Blushing  or  bronzed,  or  silvered,  at  my  feet 
Or  at  my  window,  said  and  sung  such  things. 
Now,  tell  me  of  the  philtre  that  you  made. 
Was  it  most  mighty  ? 

Clare.  It  had  no  more  might 

Than  any  other  beakerful  of  wine. 


24  GODFRIDA  [act  i 

Godfrida.    What  wrought   the   purpose  of   the   giver 
then? 

Clare.   The  purpose  of  the  giver  — 

Godfrida  [with  sudden  conviction] .     Wrought  itself  ! 
When  love  has  wrenched  and  broken  all  their  pride, 
Then  luckless  ladies  turn  to  sorcery  ; 
But  win  their  will  by  virtue  of  their  will, 
And  not  by  means  of  thrice-decocted  draughts. 
The  fixed  resolve  to  wed  the  men  they  love. 
Despite  their  soul's  perdition,  leads  them  on 
To  woo  so  sweetly  and  so  valiantly, 
That  what  their  happier  beauty  could  not  do, 
The  beauty  of  despair  accomplishes. 
Philtres  and  charms,  indeed  !     My  own  desire 
Enchants  my  soul,  and  shall  enchant  the  soul 
Of  him  whom  I  delight  in  and  adore. 

Clare.   Si  ward. 

Godfrida.  Yes,  Siward.     Oh  !  I  love  him,  Clare. 

[Kneels  at  Clare's  side,  and  lays  her  head  in  her 
lap.] 
What  must  I  do,  Clare  ?     Shall  I  send  him  word  ? 
Clare.   I  think  you  must  not  send  him  word. 
Godfrida.  Why,  Clare  ? 

Ladies  in  straits  like  me  have  broken  rules. 
And  won  true  husbands  ;  who  have  worshipped  them 


ACT  I]  GODFRIDA  25 

Because  they  had  the  courage  of  their  love. 
You  think  me  foolish  ? 

Clare.  Only  rash,  sweetheart. 

Codfrida.   And   I    think   brave.     I   would   be  always 
brave. 
Wise  ?     Yes  ;  but  not  with  guile  ;  and  always  brave. 
Siward  is  brave. 

Clare.  Patience  a  little  !     Soon 

Your  purpose,  as  you  said,  may  work  itself 
In  some  delightful,  unexpected  way. 

Codfrida.    You  think  so,  Clare  ? 

\^A  knock  is  heard  at  the  door  on  the  left.     Clare 
goes  to  the  door.    Codfrida  sits  at  the  wheel. 

Clare  [at  the  door'].     Who  's  there  ? 

Anselm  [off  stage"].  I,  Anselm. 

Codfrida  [whispering].  No  ! 

Clare  [opening  door].     Codfrida  is  engaged. 

Anselm.  Tell  her  I  know 

The  issue  of  the  tournament. 

Codfrida  [whispering  eagerly].     Yes,  yes  ! 

[Clare  admits  Anselm.     He  is  a  tall,  handsome 
boy  in  his  sixteenth  year.] 
Well,  saucy  boy,  truant  again  ? 

Anselm.  OIi,  no ! 

I  was  forbidden  to  attend  the  lists. 


26  GODFRIDA  [act  i 

Godfrida.     For  what  new  mischief,  sir  ?  —     But  tell 
me,  now ; 
Have.you  determined  yet  to  run  away, 
And  be  a  viking  bold  and  scour  the  seas  ? 

[Anselm  hangs  Ms  head.'\ 
What,  Anselm,  —  sulky  ,     Not  a  kiss  for  me? 
Indeed,  it 's  time  that  ended.     I  protest  — 
Look,  Clare  !     His  upper  lip  !     But  yesterday 
Smoother  than  mine  :  and  now,  behold ! 

[Anselm  runs  to  Godfrida  and  kisses  her  cheek.] 

Young  man. 
You  must  be  muzzled. 

Anseltn.  With  a  helmet !     Yes  ! 

Next  year  I  'm  going  with  Siward  to  the  wars. 
Godfrida,  I  have  grown  an  inch  since  Christmas. 
Godfrida.    You  '11  be  a  giant,  Anselm. 
Anselm.  Do  you  know 

I  measure  round  the  chest  almost  as  much 
As  Siward  .?    Yes,  and  I  can  swing  his  sword. 

Godfrida.   You  '11  match  him  some  day,  Anselm,  never 

fear. 
Ansehn.    But  do  you  think  so?     Would  it   not   be 
great 
If  I,  unknown,  could  meet  and  conquer  him, 
And  then,  unhelmed,  beg  pardon  on  my  knees? 


ACT  i]  GODFRIDA  27 

And  yet  I  should  not  like  to  conquer  him : 
He  never  has  been  conquered. 

Godfrida.  Has  he  not  ? 

This  tournament  may  bring  about  a  change. 
I  think  you  said  you  had  some  news  of  that. 
I  think  he  said  so,  Clare  ? 

Anselm.  I  said  so;  yes, 

Wishing  to  enter  here. 

Godfrida.  You  lied  to  me  ! 

Begone ! 

Ansebn.   Well  — 

Godfrida.  Go ! 

Anselm.  But  I  can  truly  tell 

The  issue  of  the  tournament.     I  can  ! 
You  know,  they  fight  in  companies  to-day  — 
A  score  against  a  score  with  naked  steel : 
And  Si  ward  said  —  j'ou  mustn't  say  I  told  — 
He  meant  to  win  the  ribbon  from  your  knight. 

Godfrida.    From  Adomar !     What  did   he    know    of 
that  ? 
You  mean  to  say  you  talk  to  him  of  me  ? 

Anselm.   To  you  of  him  ;  of  him,  to  you  ;  what  else  ? 
Ah  !     But  he  knew,  as  everybody  knew, 
Who  wore  your  favour.     So  he  challenged  him: 
And  Adomar  turned  white,  but  took  the  gage. 


28  GODFRIDA  [act  I 

Siward  will  wear  your  favour  now.     Some  day 
Perhaps  I  shall. 

Godfrida.  You  foolish  little  boy  ! 

Anselm.   You  know  you  promised  me  to  be  my  wife. 

Godfrida.    I  know.     I  was  your  sweetheart ;  you  were 
ten, 
And  I  was  fifteen.     You  are  fifteen  now  — 
And  tall  and  strong  and  handsome  as  a  man. 

Anselm.    Oh,  damn  !     Boy,  man  ;    man,  boy !     God- 
frida, which  ? 

Godfrida  [laughing].      Not    man    enough    to    storm 
becomingly. 

[Anselm  is  about  to  go  in  a  huff.] 
Going  already  ?     Come  and  say  good-bye. 
Come  ;  kiss  me,  Anselm.     Will  you  not?     Well,  then; 

[She  goes  to  Anselm  and  kisses  him.] 
This  is  the  last  time  I  shall  kiss  you,  boy. 
There,  sir,  and  there  !     Henceforth  you  are  a  man. 
Good-bye,  good-bye  ! 
'  Anselm.  No  !  keep  me  boy  forever  ! 

Godfrida.     I  would  I  could ! 

Anselm.  Your  little  sweetheart ! 

Godfrida.  No. 

Next  year  you  '11  be  a  gallant  cavalier, 
And  have  a  little  sweetheart  of  your  own. 


ACT  I]  GODFRIDA  29 

Go;  be  a  man.  {^{^'^s^'LU goes  out  sadly. '\ 

A  flower  has  withered,  Clare. 

\Gocs  out  at  the  back. 

Re-enter  Anselm    triumphantly.,  followed  by   Siward. 

SlWARD   is   twenty-seven  j   strong,  handsome  facej 

yellow  hair ;  long  Norseman's  moustache.    He  wears 

a  complete  suit  of  tilting  annour,  with  his  vizor 

raised.   He  has  a  crimson  ribbon  in  his  hand. 

Anselm.    Siward  is  come,  victorious. 

-   [^Looks  about  for  Godfrida. 

Clare.  In  the  garden. 

Siward  [laying  his  hand  on  Anselm's  shoulder"]. 
My  horse  is  at  the  door,  dappled  with  froth, 
Will  you  be  kind  to  me,  and  ride  him  home  .'* 
Give  him  a  pint  of  wine  and  see  him  groomed. 

Anselm.   Ride  Siward's  horse? 

[Flings  up  his  cap,  and  goes  out  joyfully. 

Siward.  Say  not  that  I  am  come  ; 

But  say  a.  messenger  from  Siward. 

Clare.  Why  ? 

Siward.    We  have  not  met ;  but  I  would  know  her  face, 
And  see  none  other  in  a  chosen  throng 
Of  the  world's  beauties :  if  her  eyes  greet  me 
As  certainly  my  errand  is  half  done. 


30  GODFRIDA  [act  i 

Clare.    I  '11  say  a  messenger  from  Siward,  sir. 

[Goes  out  at  the  back. 
Siward  removes  his  gauntlets,  unbuckles  his  sword,  and 
lays  them  on  the  table.  Re-enter  Godfrida,  carry- 
ing roses.  She  leans  against  the  garden-door  in  her 
surprise  at  beholding  Siward.  Siward  does  not  see 
her  entrance. 
Godfrida  [to  herself].     Siward  himself! 

[Comes  down  stage.    Siward  approaches  Godfrida 
eagerly.]     From  Siward  !     Is  he  well  ? 
Siward.    Never  so  happy  in  his  life  before. 
By  me  he  sends  Godfrida  deference, 
And  something  that  was  hers  and  now  is  hers 
Again.    [Offers  the  ribbon.     Godfrida  lays  her  roses  on 
the  table,  but  docs  not  take  the  ribbon. 
Godfrida.    And  how  did  Siward  come  by  that? 
Siward.    Clusters  and  throngs  of  eyes  massed  up  to 
heaven 
Girt  the  loud  tournament ;  but  Siward  watched 
This  only,  streaming  like  a  crimson  flame 
Above  the  inelie  on  a  lofty  crest. 
He   spurred   through   drifts   of  dust   and  blood-stained 

plumes : 
Three  knights  who  barred  the  way  he  overthrew 
With  one  unsplintered  lance  :  then  Adomar  — 


ACT  I]  GODFRIDA  3 1 

A  foolish  knight,  but  strong  and  deft  in  arms  — 
Fell  at  his  touch  like  one  by  lightning  struck. 
Godfrida.    And  is  he  killed  ? 

Siward.  No  ;  Si  ward  spared  his  life  ; 

I  have  his  ransom  here.     But  if  you  wish 
He  shall  be  killed? 
Godfj-ida.  Oh,  God  forbid  ! 

Siward.  Nay,  tlien, 

This  Siward  was  a  fool  to  waste  his  strength. 
Farewell.     He  shall  return  to  Adomar 
The  favour  which  it  seems  was  rightly  his. 

Godfrida.   You  —  you  are  Siward.     You  —  have  come 
to  me  ! 

[Siward  takes  her  hand;  gradually  draivs  her 
into  his  embrace^  and  bends  down  to  kiss  her.] 
Nay,  let  me  go,  sir. 

Siward.  To  Sir  Adomar .-' 

Godfrida.    How  can  you  say  it ! 

[Takes  the  ribbon  and  ties  it  on  his  arm.] 

In  the  sight  of  men 
Wear  this  and  guard  it,  if  in  heaven's  sight 
You  mean  to  wear  my  love  about  your  heart. 

Siward.    About  my  heart !     Accoutred  in  your  love 
Shall  I  not  move  unsmirched  through  courts  :  through 
war 


32  GODFRIDA  [act  I 

Unwounded  ;  and  through  fire  and  flood  unscathed. 

\He  embraces  her;  but  she  turns  her  face  away 
when  he  would  kiss  herJ] 
Must  I  not  kiss  you  ?     Ah  !  you  love  me  not ! 

Godfrida.    I  love  you  so,  that  were  your  ease  concerned 
I  think  I  could  compel  my  love  to  die. 
But  do  not  kiss  me  yet,  Siward ;  not  yet. 

[  They  sit  on  the  couch.     She  helps  him  to  remove 
his  helmet.'] 
And  you  are  Siward  !     Let  me  see  you,  close. 
Is  it  not  strange  ?  —  most  strange  !     But  yesterday 
You  were  a  being  of  another  sphere. 
Beyond  my  hail  and  seldom  seen  by  me; 
And  now  you  are  my  hero  in  my  arms. 
Siward.    When  shall  I  kiss  you  ? 
Godfrida.  When  the  time  has  come. 

A  kiss  of  love  is  the  most  hallowed  thing 
That  women  have  to  give.     I  pray  you  wait. 
Our  first  kiss  must  be  sweet  and  wonderful ; 
And  we  must  wear  it  like  a  talisman 
Upon  our  lips,  and  in  our  memories 
Enshrine  and  seal  it  everlastingly. 

Siward.    Nay,  all  our  kisses,  though  their  number  be 
More  than  the  flowers,  more  than  the  stars,  shall  live 
Forever  singly  in  our  thoughts,  each  one 


ACT  I]  GODFRIDA  33 

Denoted  by  its  character,  but  all 

Most  fragrant,  radiant,  rich,  and  sacro-sanct. 

Godfrida.    All    sacro-sanct !     And    I    shall    whisper, 
"  Now,"  — 
Nay,  you  shall  know  without  a  murmured  word 
When  we  must  kiss.     What  —  what  if  I  should  die 
At  the  first  kiss  of  love  ? 

Siward.  Death  might  seal  up 

Our  kiss  more  certainly  than  life  :  the  grave 
Is  the  securest  casket. 

Godfrida.  Death  —  of  death 

We  talk,  now  that  our  lives  begin  to  be 
Of  worth ! 

Siward.        For  everything  receives  from  love 
Glory  and  virtue,  grace  and  dignity 
Before  unknown  ;  and  chiefly  shapeless  death 
Becomes  most  debonair  and  beautiful. 

Godfrida.    How  great  and  how  courageous  is  the  world 
That  has  within  it  such  a  quenchless  fount 
Of  beauty  and  delight  for  all  to  drink  ! 

Siward.    Do  you  remember  when  our  thirsty  eyes 
Partook  their  eager,  earliest  draught  of  love  ? 

Godfrida.    You  rode  bareheaded  from  your  victory  : 
The  happy  people  shouted  "  Siward  !  " 

Siward.  Yes ! 

3 


34  GODFRIDA  [ACT  I 

And  I  looked  up  and  at  a  lattice  saw 

Your  face  !    [Godfrida  closes  lier  eyes  and  he  hisses  hcr.'\ 

Our  second  kiss  i     Our  souls  first  kissed 
When  first  our  glances  blended. 

\^Enter   Thangbrand    Imrriedly.      About    thirty-Jive j 
with  a  rough  likeness  to  Siward.] 

\_S tar  ting  7ip.'\   Thangbrand  ! 

Tha7igb}'atid.  The  Duchess  bade  me  find  you.  She 
expects  you  now. 

Godfrida   [^has  risen'].     The  Duchess  ! 

Thangbrand.  She  is  not  one  that  puts  off  till  to- 
morrow. When  Sir  Siward  left  the  hsts  she  flung  down 
her  baton  and  despatched  me  for  my  master  and  the 
Seneschal  for  you,  madam. 

Godfrida.    For  me  ! 

Thangbrand.  He  is  close  behind  me.  —  Shall  I  wait 
on  you  at  home,  sir  ? 

Siward.  Surely.  I  must  doff  my  harness  before  I 
go  to  court. 

Thangbrand  \at  the  door\  Here  is  master  Gaucelm, 
sir.  \Gocs  out. 

Enter    Gaucelm,  passing    Thangbrand   at  the    door. 
About  fifty,  wearing  a  chain  of  office. 

Gaucelm  [to  Godfrida].  The  Duchess  commands 
your  attendance  at  the  palace. 

Godfrida.  The  Duchess  shall  be  obeyed.    At  what  time  ? 


ACT  i]  GODFRIDA  35 

Gaucclm.    Witliin  an  hour. 

[GoDFRiDA  assents.     Gaucelm  goes  out. 

Shvard.    The  Duchess  has  some  pique  against  you. 

Gocifrida.  Yes. 

She  is  jealous  of  mc,  Siward  ;  jealous  —  jealous  ! 

Siward.    Jealous  of  you  ? 

Godfrida.  She  loves  you,  Siward. 

Siward.  Me ! 

She  only  loves  her  country  and  herself. 

Godfrida.    How  could  she  fail  to  love  her  warrior  ! 
Siward,  if  she  should  offer  you  her  hand  ? 

Siward.    She  will  not. 

Godfrida.  If  she  did,  what  would  you  do  ? 

Siward.    I  should  reject  it. 

Godfrida.  Are  you  sure  of  that  ? 

We  gather  violets  because  the  skies 
Are  far  beyond  our  reach  ;  but  if  a  star 
Came  down  to  us  with  sweet  fire  overbrimmed. 
We  mi;;;ht  forget  the  simple  violets. 

Siward.  And  when  the  moon  comes  we  forget  the  stars. 
No  other  planet  in  the  firmament 
Can  make  my  heart  leap  since  )'Our  love-lit  eyes 
Looked  on  me  from  your  lattice  earnestly, 
And  all  the  aimless  longing  of  my  life 
Began  to  flow  in  one  full  tide  to  you. 

\_He  embraces  her  and  goes  07it  by  the  door  on  the  left. 


36  GODFRIDA  [ACT  i 

GoDFRiDA  walks  across  the  stage  slowly.     Re-enter 
IsEMBERT  nnseen  by  Godfrida.     He  goes  iip 
the  stage  and  watches  her.    Godfrida,  crossing 
again.,  takes  a  rose  from  the  table, 
Godfrida  [to  herself].     And  all  the  aimless  longing  of 
my  life 
Began  to  flow  in  one  full  tide  to  you  ! 
Isembert  {comes  down  qttickly\    I  passed  your  flashy 
ruffian  at  the  door  ! 
Are  you  Godfrida  —  or  a  serving-maid, 
Whose  heart  goes  pit-a-pat  to  hear  a  drum  ? 
Siward  !  —  a  ruthless,  wanton  vagabond 
Who  puts  his  sword  to  auction  —  and  his  love ! 
What !  do  you  keep  him,  then  ?  —     I  heard  them  join 
Your  name  with  Siward's  —  as  I  hear  the  wind 
That  whispers  naught  for  me.     Could  I  believe 
She  who  had  known  the  treasure  of  my  soul 
In  jewelled  speech  and  silences  that  set 
The  thought  to  music,  would  degrade  her  heart 
For  a  mere  daub  and  signboard  of  a  man  — 
A  common  fighting  bully  with  a  lie 
In  every  word,  a  wench  in  every  street ! 

Gndf7-ida.    I  cannot  pardon  this  that  you  have  said 
Against  my  lover,  though  upon  your  face 
Prone  in  the  dust,  you  begged  me  all  your  life. 


ACT  ]]  GODFRIDA  37 

Isembert.    Prone  in  the  dust !  —   And  so  I  broach  your 
hate: 
It  shall  have  cause  to  flow,  I  promise  you  ! 

[GoDFRiDA  with  a  contcinptuoiis  look  turns  to  go. 
Isembert  seizes  her  hand,  and  the  rose  falls 
at  her  feet.'] 
I  have  more  to  say.     I  came  this  time  to  plead  — 
I,  who  exalt  myself  above  mankind, 
Came  meekly  to  implore  a  thing  denied; 
For  I  forgave  what  I  conceived  to  be 
Perplexity  at  love's  unlooked-for  dawn. 
Instead  I  find  a  sin  against  mj'self : 
You  knew  me,  and  preferred  a  sort  of  slave, 
A  despicable  huckster  of  his  blood. 
Now,  though  my  senses  still  cry  out  for  you, 
I  would  not  for  a  kingdom  have  your  love. 
But  I  shall  make  you  mine  in  hate  —  a  bond 
Most  intimate,  most  durable,  most  cliaste. 

[  With  a  smothered  scream  Godfrid  A  runs  into  the 
garden.  Isembert  crosses  to  go  out.  Look- 
ing about  with  his  liaiid  oti  the  door,  he  sees 
the  flower  that  fell  from  Godfrida's  handj 
goes  quickly  and  picks  it  itp  —  stealthily,  as  if 
ashamed  to  fnd  himself  doing  so. 


38  GODFRIDA  [act  ir 


ACT    II. 

SCENE.  —  A  lawn  in  the  palace  gardens.  On  the  right 
at  the  back,  an  arbour,  open  to  the  stage,  overgrown 
with  roses.  Through  the  trees  on  the  left  terraces  are 
seen  ascending  towards  the  palace,  a  wing  of  which 
is  visible  in  the  distance.  Towards  the  front  the 
ground  rises  on  the  left  and  is  crested  %vith  shrtibbery. 
On  the  right  near  the  front  is  an  orjtamental  porch 
overgrown  with  ivy j  above  it  a  grotto.  At  the 
back  and  on  both  sides  tall  trees,  shrubs,  and  flowers. 
There  are  eiitrances  at  the  back  and  on  the  right. 

When  the  curtain  rises  Ermengarde  is  seated  in 
the  arbour.  She  is  about  twenty-three j  handsome, 
restless.  On  the  ground  near  her  lies  Scipio,  a  negro 
page  J  beside  hi?n  a  lap-dog  on  a  cushion.  Courtiers 
and  Maids-ofhonour,  among  whom  is  Cynthia,  with 
a  lute,  are  grouped  on  the  slope  on  the  left.  Gaucelm 
and  attettdants  stand  on  the  right.  Cynthia's  song 
is  begun  before  the  C7trtain  rises.  Duri)ig  the  first 
verse  Ermengarde  rises  and  looks  out  at  the  back, 
then  stands  just   within  the  arbour.     Music  is  con- 


ACT  II]  GODFRIDA  39 

timtous  to  the  end  of  the  song,  the  dialogue  taking  place 
during  the  symphony  between  the  verses. 

Cynthia  {_si'!ging']. 

Is  it  worth  the  learning 

This  love  tliey  bless  — 
Pale  lovers  3'earning 
For  happiness  ? 
Why  do  they  glory  in  the  night? 
What  dream  is  theirs  of  proud  delight  ? 
Is  it  worth  the  learning? 

Cyprian  ejitcrs  at  the  back  before  the  close  of  the  verse, 
and  goes  at  once  to  Ermengarde,  loho  takes  a  step 
towards  hi/n. 

Ermengarde.    Where  is  the  Chancellor,  Cyprian? 
Cyprian.  At  home,  your  Grace, 

Absorbed  in  business  of  the  state. 
Ermengarde.      ./  The  state ! 

l^Withdraus  into  the   arboiir  impatiently,  while 
Cyprian    comes    dozon    and    stands    beside 
Gaucelm. 
Cynthia  [singifig]. 

My  heart  is  burning; 
It  cries  to  me. 


40  GODFRIDA  Tact  ir 

Is  it  worth  the  learning 

What  this  may  be  ? 
Why  do  I  walk  alone  all  day  ? 
"  She  is  in  love,"  the  maidens  say. 

Is  love  worth  learning  ? 

At  the  close  of  the  secofici  verse  Isembert  enters  at  the 
back  quickly.     Ermengakde  meets  him. 
Ermengarcle.    My  lord,  we  have  waited  for  you  here  ! 
Isefnbcrt.  While  I 

Have  wrought  for  you. 
Ermengarde.  You  never  want  excuse. 

Isembert.    I  am  chiefly  sorry  that  I  cannot  stretch 
The  minutes  into  hours  to  serve  your  Grace 
With  vigilance  and  effort  sixty-fold. 

[Ermengarde  goes  into  the  arbour.  Isembert 
follows  her.  Duri?ig  the  song  they  arc  seen  to 
converse,  Ermengarde  haughtily  at  first, 
then  with  her  eyes  bent  on  the  groufid ;  Isem- 
bert, surprised,  appears  to  expostulate. 
Cynthia  [singing]. 

Was  it  worth  the  learning? 

He  kissed  my  liand  ! 
Is  love  worth  learning? 
I  understand, 


ACT  II]  GODFRIDA  4 1 

Though  love  may  come  and  love  may  go, 
It  is  the  only  thing  to  know : 
Love  's  worth  the  learning. 

Ermengarde  [leaving  the  arbotir'].     Thanks  for  your 
music.     [Courtiers,   etc.   rise.      Ermengarde  is 
about  to  go  out  by   the   right,   when    Isembert 
intercepts  her].     I  shall  see  them  here ; 
But  not  together;  Siward  first,  and  then 
Godfrida.     When  he  comes  send  word  to  me. 
I  am  wearied  out ;  so  sick  with  hope  and  fear 
That  like  one  poisoned  I  must  walk,  or  faint. 

[Tries  unsuccessfully  to  evade  Isembert. 
Isembert.   Your  Grace  intends  to  marry  Siward? 
Ermengarde.  Yes. 

Isembert.    And  to  propose  it  bluntly  to  himself  .-^ 
Ermengarde,   And  to  propose  it  frankly  to  himself. 
Isembert.    If   you    would    prosper,   madam,  give  me 
leave 
To  mould  a  matter  so  momentous. 

Ermengarde.  No ! 

In  this  I  take  my  heart's  advice  alone. 
I  know  I  venture  on  an  enterprise 
Most  hazardous ;  but  which  I  may  not  shirk, 
Because  it  leads  me  forward  to  myself  — 


42  GODFRIDA  [act  il 

A  truer,  greater  self  that  waits  beyond. 

\^She  goes  to  SciPio  and  fondles  the  lap-dog;  then 
looks  about  suddenly. '\ 
But  where  is  Anselm,  Scipio  ? 
Scipio.  Runaway ! 

Ertnengarde.   Why,   Gaucelm,   do    you    suffer   these 
affronts  ? 
The  boy  defies  you  :  rule  him  better,  sir. 

\To  the   Maids-of-honour.]     March   on   before   us  — 
singing  as  you  go. 

[Cynthia  resu7nes  her  song,  and  all  except  Isem- 
BERT  and  Cyprian  go  out  by  the  right.     The 
song  is  heard  dying  away  in  the  distance. 
Isembcrt.    Did  you  observe  the  Duchess,  Cyprian  ? 
Cyprian.    I  never  saw  her  so  unlike  herself. 
Isembert.    What  do  you  think  distracts  her  ? 
Cyprian.  I  should  say, 

But  for  her  fixed  resolve  to  die  unwed, 
That  she  had  fallen  in  love. 

Isembert.  And  so  she  has  — 

With  Siward  :  crude  instinctive  savages 
Love  makes  of  women  ! 

Cyprian.  And  of  men,  my  lord. 

Isefnbert.   Mere  males  and  females,  Cyprian:   that  is 
all 


ACT  II]  CODFRIDA  43 

The  power  of  love  can  do.  —  I  wish  to  write. 

[Cyprian  ffzwj  Jiiin  materials,  and  he  writes  and 
folds  a  letter,  talking  the  while. '\ 
A  crowing  fellow  with  a  fair  moustache 
Struts  up  the  street,  and  the  whole  hen-house  clucks 
With  passion  !  —  I  am  ousted,  pecked  away ; 
The  Duchess  undertakes  her  own  affairs  ! 
Well,  other  palates  shall  be  scarified 
By  this  same  feast  of  thistles  spread  for  mine. 

[^Gives  the  letter  to  Cyprian.] 
To  Ludovic,  at  once.     Her  Grace  commands 
Her  army  to  be  ready  for  the  field 
Upon  a  sudden  call ;  and  darkly  hint  — 
This  I  have  left  unwritten  —  it  may  chance 
That  he  shall  lead.  —  Send  Adomar  to  me  ; 
He  waits  an  audience  :  since  the  stalwart  fool 
Is  mixed  in  this,  we  must  get  rid  of  him  ; 
An  ass  may  do  more  adventitious  ill 
Than  twenty  tigers.  —  Then  search  Berthold  out. 
And  probe  the  heart  of  that  conspiracy : 
Perhaps  I  may  require  it  for  myself. 

[Cyprian  goes  out  at  the  back.'] 
I    have  a  choice   to   make.     [^Sits  in  arbour.]     Should 

Ermengarde 
Marry  the  Norseman,  and  my  head  escape 


44  GODFRIDA  [ACT  II 

The  axe,  I  sink  into  oblivion  ; 

Or  under  Siwarcl's  tliumb  abide  the  turn 

Of  fortune's  wheel ;  but  if  Godfrida  wins 

The  ruffian,  my  dominion  is  renewed, 

For  in  the  shipwreck  of  her  hopes,  her  Grace 

Must  cling  to  me.     Thus  either  accident 

Would  test  my  fibre,  twist  and  stretch  my  soul 

Upon  the  rack  of  his  or  her  delight 

Whom  most  I  hate !     \^Rises.'\     By  my  intelligence 

I  swear  that  neither  love-sick  simpleton 

Shall  marry  Siward  !     By  my  wit,  my  will, 

His  golden  locks  and  he  have  had  their  day ! 

\^Enter  Adomar  at  the  back.  He  is  strongly  built j 
stupid;  anxiojis  to  be  thought  well  of  by  himself  and 
others.  ] 

\Gaily.'\    Well,  Adomar,  in  what  can  I  befriend  you? 

Adomar.     I     wished    to    see    you,    Isembert.     You 
know  — 
Perhaps  you  saw  my  overthrow  to-day. 

Isembert.   I  heard  of  it. 

Adomar.  It  was  an  accident. 

Now,  will  you  tell  the  Duchess  how  it  chanced  ? 

Isembert.   Tell  her  yourself. 

Adomar.  But  if  it  came  from  you  — 


ACT  ii]  GODFRIDA  45 

Rc-cntcr  Gaucelm  by  the  right. 

Gaticehn.    Her  Grace  would  know  if  Siward   has  ar- 
rived. 

Isembert.    Not  yet.     Assure  lier  Grace  that  she  shall 
hear 
The  moment  of  his  coming. 

[Gaucelm  goes  out.] 
Now,  confess, 
That  Siward  is  the  better  man. 

Adomar.  Perhaps; 

I  care  not. 

Isembert.    No ;  why  should  you  ? 

Adomar.  Every  man 

Must  some  day  meet  his  master. 

Isembert.  Yet  no  man 

Is  master  every  day. 

Adomar.  Nor  in  all  things  ! 

He  dances  badly. 

Isembert.  A  barbarian ! 

Adomar.    I  scarcely  was  prepared  :  he  rode  me  down 
Before  my  beast  had  gained  his  tilting  speed. 

Isembert.    I  doubt  it  not. 

Adomar.  And  for  the  ribbon  —  well ; 

Let  Siward  keep  it.     What?  a  rag  of  silk  ! 

Isembert.   Let  Siward  flaunt  it ! 


46  GO  DF RID  A  [ACT  ii 

Adomar.  Till  I  win  it  back 

In  the  next  tourney.     I  shall  challenge  him  : 
He  took  me  at  a  disadvantage. 

Isembert.  Nay, 

Siward  must  wed  Godfrida. 

Adomar  \in  much  amazc7neJit\     Must  he!     Why? 

Isembert.     And  promptly,  too,  unless  we  want  a  duke. 
Re-enter  Gaucelm  very  hurriedly. 

Gaucelm.     Her  Grace  is  most  impatient. 

Isembert.  So  am  I ! 

I  shall  myself  announce  him  when  he  comes. 

[Gaucelm  goes  out  reluctantly. 

Adomar  \importantly\     Tell  me  of  this. 

Isembert.  Our  haughty  Ermengarde 

Is  torn  with  passion  for  the  Norseman. 

Adomar.  No ! 

Isembert.     And  bent  on  marriage. 

Adomar.  But  it  must  not  be. 

We  will  not  have  the  Norseman  on  our  necks. 
Let  Siward  wed  Godfrida  —  now  —  to-day ! 

Isembert.    Most  bravely  counselled!     Ah  !  how  strong 
is  he 
Who  holds  his  heart  subjected  to  his  will ! 

Adomar.     I  never  loved  her  much.     It  is  a  wrench; 
But  —  is  she  not  too  slight  for  me  ? 


ACT  II]  GODFRIDA  47 

Iscmbert.  By  far ! 

Besides,  the  state  demands  the  sacrifice. 

Adomar.     A  man  must  pocket  up  his  heart  sometimes 
When  duty  calls. 

Iscmbert.  Now  that  I  think  of  it, 

I  know  how  you  may  make  the  world  forget 
Your  overthrow. 

Adomar.  Oh  !  tell  me,  Isembert. 

Isembert.   Ride  to  Theodorlc's  tower  and  bring  us  word 
If  Count  Esplandian  approaches  Aries. 

Adotnar.     The  Count  Esplandian  in  Provence  again ! 

Isembert.     Go  quickly  ;  be  the  earliest  with  the  news. 

Adomar.     Returning,    breathless,    tired,    and    travel- 
stained  — 
My  horse,  perhaps,  dead  at  the  palace-door  — 
I  shall  be  famous,  envied  ! 

Isembert.  That  you  shall ! 

Adomar.     I  go  then.     Not  a  word  to  any  one  !  — 
Why  do  you  look  so  strangely,  Isembert  ? 

Isembert.     I  think  of  Solomon's  own  vanity 
When  he  declared  that  all  is  vanity. 

Ado7iiar.     What  is  the  wisdom  of  it,  Isembert? 

Isembert.     That  even  the  very  grossest  fools  exist 
Not  all  in  vain,  because  once  in  their  lives 
They  are  made  to  serve  some  wise  man's  exigence, 


48  GODFRTDA  [act  it 

If  it  were  only  by  being  easily 
Kept  out  of  the  way. 

Adomar.  Ha  !  Siward  !     Yes,  I  see. 

We  '11  keep  him  in  the  dark  !  —  eh,  Isembert.'' 
He  '11  hang  his  head  when  I  come  riding  in ! 
A  fop,  a  Norse  adventurer !     You  know 
I\Iy  lance  slipped,  and  he  caught  me  by  a  fluke 
Right  on  the  vizor :  children  could  upset 
Giants  with  such  a  stroke. 

Iseinbert.  I  am  sure  of  it. 

Inform  me,  first  of  all,  when  you  return. 
Adomar.     I  will,  and  thank  you  kindly,  Isembert. 

\^Goes  out  by  the  right. 
Enter  Attendant  at  the  back. 
Isembert.     Is  Siward  there  .'' 

Attendant.  My  lord,  he  has  just  arrived. 

Isembert.     Send  him  this  way. 

[^Re-enter  Ermengarde/;w«  the  right.'] 

Siward  has  come,  your  Grace. 
Ermengarde.     I    wonder  .  .  .  Yes.      Be   near,   most 
faithful  friend. 

[Isembert  goes  out  by  the  right. 

[Enter  Siward  at  the  back.  Ermengarde  receives  him 
graciously.  Siward,  in  a  courtier'' s  dress,  is  wearing 
Godfrida's  ribbon.  ] 


ACT  ii]  GODFRIDA  49 

[Harshly.  ]     What 's  that  ? 

Siward.  A  pledge  of  love. 

Ertnengarde.  I  know ;  but  whose  ? 

Siward.     IVIadam,  my  own. 

Erj)ienga7-de  Sj'iiriotis\  Who  gave  it  to  you,  sir  ? 

Siward.     Godfrida,  madam. 

Erfnetigarde  [sinks  down  on  tlic  seat\     Ah  ! 

[Controlling  herself,  she  rises  and  comes  close  to 
Siward.]  I  knew,  my  friend, 

Your  fancy  to  Godfrida  turned  :  my  page, 
The  truant,  Anselm,  all  unconsciously. 
Revealed  the  secret,  gossiping :  and  she 
Is  fair  and  wise,  and  worth  a  warrior's  love  — 
If  there  were  none  more  fair,  none  worthier. 

Siward.     I  will  not  understand  you. 

Ermengarde.  But  you  do ! 

When  post-haste  from  the  tournament  you  rode  — 
Discourteously:    [Siward   dissents.'\    it   was    indeed   a 

fault, 
Most  heinous  in  the  office  that  you  hold  !  — 
I  guessed  your  errand,  sir.     Did  Adomar 
Give  up  the  ribbon  for  his  life  .'' 

Siward.  He  did. 

Ermengarde.     In  that  you  scarce  were  chivalrous,  I 
think. 

4 


50  GODFRIDA  [act  ll 

Siward.  Madam,  you  wrong  yourself  to  blame  me  thus : 
We  fought  a  outrance ;  and  Sir  Adomar 
Had  taken  up  my  challenge.     What  of  this  ? 
The  petty  laws  of  silken  marshal's  men 
Are  fit  for  those  who  heed  them.     For  myself 
I  serve  the  state,  and  the  state's  noble  head ; 
But  live  in  my  own  world,  a  Norseman  free. 
To  win  my  true  love's  gage  1  fought  to-day, 
And  having  won  it  left  the  mimic  war. 

Ermengarde.    I  take  them  back :  the  Duchess  Ermen- 
garde 
Withdraws  her  words !   [ReUirns  to  the  arbour. '\    1  would 

not  hurt  a  hair 
Upon  your  head  —  not  one  bright  hair ;  and  lo, 
I  wound  the  very  marrow  of  your  pride  ! 
But,  Norseman,  Norseman,  these  are  southern  shores 
Where  ladies  carry  lightning  in  their  veins. 
How  can  I  say  that  which  I  mean  to  say, 
That  which  I  must  say  ? 

Siward.  You  have  said  it,  madam. 

And  I,  your  Grace's  servant,  honour  you 
With  a  more  poignant  reverence,  knowing  now 
Your  high  heart's  tender  secret.     All  my  days 
Await  you  like  an  escort  cloaked  in  night. 
My  thoughts,  my  study  of  the  storied  world. 


ACT  II]  GODFRIDA  5 1 

My  courage  and  mj'  skill  in  peace  and  war, 

Are  yours  as  long  as  they  are  mine  to  spend. 

My  love  Godfrida  has. 

\Du7ing  the  folloiving  Siward  gradually   t7irns 

his  face  away  from  Ermengarde. 

Ennengarde.  It  must  be  mine! 

A  hated  wooer  sought  me  ;  when  you  came 

And  whipped  him  off,  I  looked  for  you  to  ask 

The  recompense  they  said  j'ou  sought,  my  hand. 

\_Paiiscs,  expecting  Jiiin  to  speakJ] 

Your  lofty  spirit  marks  you  out  my  mate  : 

My  rank  empowers  and  sanctions  every  way 

The  course  I  take  in  offering  my  crown, 

My  duchy  and  myself  to  one  most  wise, 

Most  noble,  valiant,  generous,  and  true. 

[Sinks  into  the  seat,  trembling.^ 

At  first  your  silence  hurt  me  :  now  I  feel 

How  beautiful  it  is. 

Siward.  My  silence  — 

lie-enter  Attendant   at  the    back.     Ermengarde   rises 
relieved  by  the  intert-uption . 

Ermefigarde  [to  Attendant].  Well  1 

Attendant.    Godfrida,  madam. 

Ermengarde.    Wait.  —  [7>'SnvARU.]  I   shall  demand 
Your  spoken  answer  later.     Leave  me  now  : 


52  GODFRIDA  [act  ii 

Go  to  your  house  :  consider  all  your  life  ; 
Think  of  my  love.     To-morrow  you  shall  speak. 

[SiWARD  goes  out  by  the  back.'\ 
Ask  my  lord  Chancellor  to  come  to  me. 

\^She  points  the  way  and  the  Attendant  ^^^j  out  by 
the  right. '\ 
He  dare  not  fling  my  offer  in  my  face. 

[Re-enter  Isembert/t^w  the  right. 'l 
I  have  over-rated,  overtaxed  my  strength. 
It  is  more  arduous,  more  terrible 
Than  I  imagined  in  my  weakest  hours. 

Isembert.    What,  madam  ? 

Ermengarde.  To  confront  a  hostile  will. 

I  trusted  —  must  we  always  trust  our  hopes  ?  — 
That  like  a  goddess  I  should  graciously 
Descend  and  make  a  home  in  Si  ward's  love. 
I  found  it  closed  :  it  is  inhabited  : 
A  face  looked  out  upon  me  from  his  heart. 

Isembert.    How  did  you  deal  with  him  ? 

Ermengarde.  I  lost  myself  ! 

He  wore  Godfrida's  ribbon ;  and  I  stormed 
And  chid  him  as  a  nurse  would  rate  a  child  : 
I  felt  him  scorning  me.     What  shall  I  do? 

Isembert.    Godfrida  comes? 

Ermengarde.  She  is  waiting. 


ACT  11]  CODFRIDA  53 

Isembert.  See  her  now 

Announce  your  marriage  with  the  Constable, 
And  tell  her  since  the  gossip  of  the  court 
Has  linked  their  names,  she  must  at  once  declare 
In  pubhc  that  the  rumour  is  untrue. 

Ermengarde.    But  if  she  loves  him  that  will  break  her 
heart ! 

Ise?nbert.   Will     yours    be    mended     if    she    marries 
Si  ward  ? 
Amaze  her,  daunt  her :  in  her  fresh  alarm 
I  '11  overpower  her  with  a  crowd  —  to-day 
The  city  is  your  guest  —  and  suddenly 
Requiring  her  denial,  so  confound 
Her  judgment,  that  she  shall  comply 
Outright  with  our  demand. 

Ermengarde.  And  afterwards? 

Isembert.    Why,  she  will  hang  herself,  or  die  of  grief; 
For  courage  is  her  idol.     Siward  then, 
Hurt  by  Godfrida's  fickleness  and  urged 
By  new  ambition  and  the  popular  voice. 
Will  gladly  marry  you. 

Ermengarde.  But  if  her  strength 

Should  not  desert  her  ? 

Isembert.  But  it  shall !     The  crowd, 

By  my  instruction  deeply  overjoyed 


54  GODFRIDA  [act  ii 

At  your  betrothal,  shall  appear  her  foe  ; 
Alone,  without  a  friend,  against  your  will, 
Against  your  people's  will,  her  heart  must  break  ! 

Ermengarde.     Already    I  've    been    overharsh     with 
her: 
Why  need  we  break  her  heart?     Live  and  let  live, 
As  kindly  people  say. 

Isembert.  Kill  or  be  killed 

As  people  calmly  do.    \_Watchmg  her  keenly. ']     I  '11  send 

your  guard  ; 
And  after  bring  your  guests.     [Ermengarde  «'/jj'^«/j'.] 

How  did  you  mean 
To  treat  Godfrida  ? 

Ertnengarde.  Oh  !     I  cannot  tell. 

Ise?nbert.    Madam,  you  must  not   flinch.       With    my 
advice 
This  glaring  crisis  never  should  have  been  : 
But  as  the  world  must  know  what  you  have  done  — 
So  openly,  so  wilfully  !  —  proceed 
High-handed  to  the  issue  ;  or  forbear  — 
That  fools  may  flay  your  vanity,  and  make 
Your  heart  a  butt  for  shafts  of  ridicule  ! 

[Ermengarde  goes  up  stage  distractedly,  and 
Isembert  goes  out  at  the  back,  7'eturning 
abnost  immediately  with  Godfrida.] 


ACT  iij  GODFRIDA  55 

\_To  Godfrida],     Mine  you  begin  to  be,  love 
—  mine,  in  hate. 

{Goes  out  at  the  back. 
[Godfrida  is  muck  agitated  and  looks  wistfully 
at  Ermengarde,  who  regat'ds  her  coldly. 
Ermengarde.    Did  Siward  pass  you  ? 
Godfrida   {recovering  self possessioti\.     Yes;    I   spoke 

to  him. 
Ermengarde   \co?nes  close  to  GoiWRlux  and  speaks  at 
her  ear'].     You  shall  not  have  the  Norseman:  he 
is  mine. 
You  shall  renounce  him  publicly  to-day : 
I  sent  for  him  and  told  him  all  my  love: 
We  sliall  be  married  soon. 

Godfrida   {proudly].  He  came  to  me. 

Ermengarde.    While  I  must  send  !     How  dare  you  ! 
...  So  I  did, 
Godfrida  !     Yes,  and  be  you  warned  liy  that. 
I  am  neither  cruel  nor  tyrannical ; 
But  I  must  wed  this  gentle  god  of  war; 
Nothing  shall  stay  me :  I  have  sent  a  spy 
Into  the  darkest  corners  of  my  soul. 
And  find  no  enemy  within  myself 
Powerful  enough  to  combat  my  desire. 
Godfrida.    Siward  will  marry  me. 


56  GODFRIDA  [act  ii 

Erme7igarde.  Tliat  shall  he  not! 

And  when  I  ask  you,  now,  before  the  court 
You  shall  declare  you  never  loved  him. 

Godfrida.  1 1 

I  will  not ! 

Ermengarde.    But  you  shall !  by  heaven,  you  shall! 
Godfrida.    By  Siward's  love  for  me,  by  mine  for  him  — 
Erjnengarde.   You  shall ! 
Godfrida.  No !     I  shall  not ! 

Ermengarde.  No  enemy 

Is  half  so  fatal  as  a  friend  estranged. 
I  am  jealous  of  you  !     Do  my  will,  or  dread 
My  vengeance.     I  have  pledged  myself :  he  knows, 
And  now  you  know,  my  passion  and  my  purpose, 
And  none  shall  thwart  or  scorn  me.     You,  indeed ! 

Godfrida  \_ivith  malice'\.    Permit  me  now  to  go;    for 
Siward  waits : 
He  said  he  would  attend  my  coming  forth. 
Ertnengarde.     I    shall   take   care  you   meet   him  not 
again 
Till  you  have  given  him  up  before  the  world. 

[Godfrida  bows  disdainfully,  and  is  about  to  go 
out.,  when  she  is  met  by  the  Lieutenant  with 
the  guaj-d,  who  enter  at  the  back,  saltite  and 
fortn,   blocking  the  way.      Godfrida   07>er- 


ACT  ii]  GODFRIDA  57 

cones  her  amazement  and  turns  defiantly  on 
Ermengarde. 
Godfrida.    Madam,  althougli  you  were  to  bury  me 
Deep  in  a  dungeon  or  an  unknown  grave, 
Our  happy  love  would  not  be  desolate ; 
For  on  my  mouth  is  Siward's  kiss;  on  his 
My  kiss  lies,  an  inviolable  bond  ; 
And  you  can  never  sever  from  my  soul 
The  soul  of  Siward,  mine  in  life,  in  death. 

Ermengarde.    Now  friendship,  pity,  die  indeed  !    To  eat 
Your  words,  to  drink  your  tears,  to  swallow  down 
Your  bursting  heart  before  the  court,  and  I 
Seated  triumphantly  observing  you  ! 
Oh  !  you  will  find  that  worse  than  chains  or  death. 
Re-enter  Isembert  with  Ladies  and  Gentlemen  at  the 
back.     Anselm  enters  last  and  leans  against  a  tree, 
disconsolately.     Isembert  leads  Godfrida  up  stage 
and  stations  her  on  the  left  of  Ermengarde,  who 
stands  in  front  of  the  arbour.     Isembert  then  looks 
about  anxiottsly  and  crosses  to  Anselm.     Gaucelm, 
Cynthia,    Courtiers   and  Maids-of-Honour  re-enter 
front  the  right. 

Isembert  [to  Anselm].    Is  Siward  here  ? 
Anselm.  He  is  not  coming. 

Isembert.  Not.'' 


$8  GODFRIDA  [act  ii 

Anselm.    The  Duchess  sent  him  home. 

Ise7nbert.  Impossible! 

A  bungled  message.     Bid  him  come  at  once  : 
I  saw  you  with  him  in  the  palace-hall. 

Anselm.    I  told  liim  so !     He  '11  think  me  wiser  now. 

\Goes  out  at  the  back. 

[ISEMBERT  goes  Up  stage  and  stands  on  Ermen- 

GARDE's  right.     The  crowd  is  mostly  on  the 

rights  leaving  the  back  entrance  visible  to  the 

audience. 

Isembert.    Upon  her  Grace's  part  I  welcome  you. 
Your  loyalty,  your  sympathy  —  your  hearts 
Our  mistress  needs  ;  not  as  a  ruler  now, 
But  as  a  friend.  —  More  burdensome  it  is 
To  wield  authority  than  to  obey. 
If  mighty  kings,  discerning  sovereign  power 
To  be  dull  torture,  abdicate  their  thrones, 
Or  maddened  by  dominion,  to  themselves 
Impute  prerogatives  of  deity, 
Some  doom  more  evil  still  may  overwhelm 
A  woman,  set  alone  above  the  world. 
Therefore  her  Grace  determines  to  forsake 
The  lofty  solitude  wherein  the  hearts 
Of  monarchs  grow  unhuman,  and  to  steep 
Her  life  in  the  brave  love  and  happy  care 


ACT  iij  GODFRIDA  59 

That  wives  and  mothers  know. 

Voices.  God  save  her  Grace! 

Isevibcrt.    It  was  her  earlier  design  to  live 
A  maiden  all  her  days,  lest,  marrying, 
She  should  provoke  that  destiny  untoward, 
A  ruthless  master  for  herself  and  you  — 
Such  as  the  Count  Esplandian  of  Toulouse 
Who  thought  to  win  lier  love  with  battering-rams. 
But  he  who  beat  that  stubborn  warrior  back  — 

Voices  [^astonished  and  pleased\  Si  ward ! 

Erntettgarde  [oi'erjoyed].        You  love  him  too.'' 

Voices.  Yes,  yes,  your  Grace; 

Siward  !  A  Siward !        » 

Enticngarde.  Loyal,  generous  friends, 

I  thank  you  from  my  heart. 

Voices.  God  save  your  Grace ! 

[GODFRIDA  shrinks  back  i)ito  the  arbour.  Isem- 
BERT,  passing  behind  Ermengarde,  takes 
Godfrida's  hand  and  leads  her  forward. 

Ermengarde  [to  Godfrida].    Now  is  the  time  I  spoke 
of. 

Iseinbert.  All  her  life 

Her  Grace's  confidante  shall  be  Provence  ; 
Her  people  is  her  only  bosom-friend  : 
And  not  one  film  of  slander  must  obscure 


60  GODFRIDA  [act  i  i 

Her  happy  marriage,  fated  to  control 
The  tides  of  your  contentment  and  of  hers. 
I  understand  a  shapeless  rumour  walks 
Haunting  this  lady's  name :  but  she  herself 
Will  lay  the  phantom  now. 

Ermengarde.  Godfrida,  speak 

In  all  good  faith,  and  let  my  people  know 
Siward  was  never  anything  to  you. 

Godfrida   \i'ecovers  presence  of  mind.     With  all  her 
force\    She  lies !     The    Duchess  lies !     Siward  is 

mine  ! 
[ISEMBERT  is  intensely  surprised,  and  stares  in  ad- 
miration  at  Godfrida.     Ermengarde  with 
a  cry  lifts  her  hand  clenched  to  strike  God- 
frida, when  Siward  enters  with  Anselm. 
Siward.    Godfrida ! 

[Godfrida  runs  to  Siward  and  falls  into  his 
anus. 
Ermengarde  \sinks  into  the  seat}.    Ah  ! 
Isembert  [z«  Ermengarde's  ear}.  Bid   me  dis- 

miss them,  madam, 
Godfrida.     I  was  afraid  a  moment  —  only  one. 
Isembert.     Bid  me  dismiss  them,  madam. 
Ermengarde.  No ;  not  yet. 

\To  Siward.]   What  brings  you  here  ? 


ACT  III  GODFRIDA  6 1 

Siivard.  The  kindest  destiny. 

Ermengardc  \_rises\   But  I  forbade  you,  sir. 

[SlWARD  looks  to  ANSELM  ;  AnSELM  looks  to  ISEM- 

dert;  Y.K'si'EiiGAKii'E.  follows  their  glances. 
Isevibert.  I  sent  for  him. 

Erniengarde   [looks  wildly   at   Isembert,  then   steps 
forward  atid  cries  in  a  piercing  voice].    My  people, 
now  I  need  your  constant  hearts ! 
Voices.   God  save  your  Grace  ! 

Ermengarde.  Those  whom  I  trusted  most 

Have  covered  me  Vvith  shame  before  you  all ! 
I  am  betrayed!     Who  is  on  my  side  —  who? 

Isetnbert  [drawing  his  sword].    For  Ermengarde  ! 
All  the  Men  [with  drawn  swords].  Provence 

and  Ermengarde ! 
Isembert.    Madam,   you   are   betrayed:    look  in  your 
heart, 
And  find  the  traitor  there. 

Ermengarde.  My  heart,  indeed  ! 

It  is  too  true  to  me  !  —  Give  up  your  sword ! 
Isembert  [yielding  his  sword  to  Ermengarde].    Into 

your  hands. 
Ermengarde.         And  yours,  Sir  Constable. 
Siward  [yielding  his  sword  to  the  Lieutenant].   Madam, 
this  is  as  guilty  as  its  lord. 


62  GODFRIDA  [act  n 

Ermengarde.    These  traitors  I  shall  question  privately  ! 
But  do  not  leave  me,  friends :  it  gives  me  strength 
To  think  my  people  are  within  my  house : 
And  when  this  pitiful,  this  childish  plot 
Is  sifted,  as  it  shall  be  instantly, 
I  may  again  take  counsel  with  your  hearts. 

{Pointing  to  Siward  and  Godfrida 
Sever  these  two ;  and  see  you  guard  them  well. 

\Pointingto  Isembert. 
Lead  him  now  to  the  hall. 

Voices.  God  save  your  Grace ! 

ACT-DROP. 


ACT  III]  GODTRIDA  63 


ACT   III. 

SCENE.  —  The  Hall  of  the  Palace.  At  the  back  to  the 
left  a  high  and  broad  doorivay.  Above  the  doorway 
is  a  gallery  with  a  small  window.,  and  doors.  On  the 
right  at  the  back  a  la7ge  window:  on  the  extreme 
rights  a  small  door  surviounted  by  a  cross.  Down 
right  is  a  large  window,  and  below  it,  near  the  front, 
a  door.  On  the  left  toward  the  front  is  a  dais,  on 
which  a  throne  stands.  Below  the  dais  a  door.  The 
walls  are  hung  with  tapestry,  and  there  is  stained 
glass  in  all  the  windows.  Lamps,  conveniently.  A 
few  seats  about  the  dais.  It  is  sunset  when  the  act 
opens.  The  moon  rises  about  the  tniddle  of  the  act. 
Ermengarde  is  seated  on  one  of  the  seats  near  the  dais, 
and  IsEMBERT  is  led  in  by  the  large  door  when  the  act- 
drop  rises. 

Ermengarde.    You  are  the  head  of  this  conspiracy  ? 
Isembert.    Madam,  I  know  of  no  conspiracy. 
Ermengarde.    Why  summon  Sivvard  then?    The  thing 
was  schemed 
To  tame  me  to  your  power. 

Isembert.  Unjustly  urged ! 


64  GOD  FR  ID  A  [act  in 

Ertncngarde.    "The  Duchess  lies!"  she  said;  "the 
Duchess  lies !  " 
Would  even  a  crazy  creature,  in  the  power 
Of  arbitrary  rivalship,  alone, 
And  unabetted,  helplessly  invoke 
Immortal  enmity  ?     "  The  Duchess  lies  !  " 

Isembert.     Madam,  your  jealousy  has  blinded  you. 

Erniengarde.   You  mean  it  has  unsealed  my  eyes. 
Disclose 
The  secret  of  this  treason  !  —  Speak  !  —  Confess  ! 
Sir,  there's  a  spindle  underground,  the  rack, 
Famous  for  winding  up  conspiracies  ; 
And  I  shall  have  you  all  three  wrung  at  once 
To  scream  against  each  other. 

\Goes  out  by  the  door  on  the  left. 

Isejnbert.  Madam  !  [Ti?  himself.']  Time 

I  must  have  now  !     What  shall  I  do  }     Make  love  ! 
[At  the  door.]    Madam  ! 

Re-enter  Ermengarde. 

Erniengarde.     One  word  :  will  you  confess  the  truth  ? 

Isembert.    Question  me  :  you  shall  judge. 

Ermengarde.  Why  did  you  send 

For  Siward  ? 

Isejnbert.        That  he  might  abhor  your  Grace, 
Beholding  your  abuse  of  power. 


ACT  III]  CODFRIDA  65 

Ermengardc  [amazed].  But  why? 

Isembc7-t.     Because    I    would    not    have    you    marry 
him : 
I  would  not  have  you  marry  any  one. 
1  meet  you  every  day  :  I  touch  your  hand  : 
J  see  you  in  your  most  enthralling  moods 
(jf  informality  and  indolence  : 
I  know  your  subtle  brain,  your  fiery  soul ; 
To  me  you  are  the  very  source  of  life. 

[Ermengarde  iur)is  her  face  from  hw!,  unable  to 
hide  her  gratification.     He  relieves  himself 
ivith  a  grimace.'] 
But  were  your  gracious  spirit  coffined  up 
In  wedlock,  the  devouring  sepulchre 
Of  beauty,  eminence,  distinction,  love  — 
Should  you,  who  are  the  sun,  become  a  lamp 
For  household  uses,  then  the  world  would  end 
Here  in  Provence.     I  beg  you  not  to  wed  ! 
Ermengarde  {turns  towards  him].  Poor  Isembert!    I 
understand  you  not ; 
Jkit  feci  a  faithful  passion  in  your  words. 
You  must  not  thwart  me  further :  I  have  none 
To  trust  liut  you. 

Isembert.  Trust  me,  and  I  obey : 

But  when  you  bring  me  suddenly  to  work 

5 


66  GODFRIDA  [act  in 

Upon  a  secret  purpose  of  your  own, 
No  wonder  I  upset  it. 

Ermengarde.  Yet,  the  doubt  I  — 

Oh,  sir,  be  true  !  —  What  gave  Godfrida  strength 
To  brave  my  power  ? 

Isetnbert.  Need  a  true  lover  ask  ? 

Ermettgarde.    But  does  she  love  like  me  ? 

Isetnbert.  True  lovers  feel 

As  if  their  passion  were  original  — 
A  virgin  revelation  to  themselves 
Aione  imparted. 

Ermengarde.      Would  Godfrida  die 
Were  I  to  marry  Sivvard  ? 

Isembert.  If  her  love 

Is  absolute  — perhaps. 

Ermengarde.  My  love  is  absolute  : 

My  life  is  all  transmuted  into  love : 
Help  me  to  save  my  life.     Show  me  the  way 
To  wreak  my  vengeance  on  the  sorceress 
Who  stole  my  Sivvard's  heart. 

Isetnbert.  The  sorceress  ? 

Ermengarde.    Godfrida.      When  our  friendship  held, 
we  played 
With  philtres  and  enchantments,  she  and  I ; 
But  she  has  used  her  craft. 


ACT  III]  GODFRIDA  6/ 

I s ember t.  It  must  be  so : 

How  else  could  any  man  of  Siward's  rank 
Reject  you  and  your  throne  ? 

Eriiiengarde.  How  else,  indeed  ? 

And  I  shall  have  her  tried  for  sorcery. 
Kill  or  be  killed  —  your  motto,  Isembert : 
Highhanded  to  the  end  ! 

Isetnbert.  But  warily ; 

The  highest  hand  is  that  which  works  unseen. 
Commit  your  happiness  to  me  ;  my  love 
Will  bear  the  proof. 
Ermejtgarde.  What  will  you  do  ? 

Isembert.  The  best. 

Events  and  passions  blindly  hurry  by; 
I  touch  them  as  they  pass,  deflecting  them 
Towards  my  aim. 

Ermejigaj'de.         I  give  you  leave. 
Isembert.  First  then, 

•  I  see  Godfrida  here  alone. 

Eriiiengarde.  Suppose  — 

Suppose  that  I  see  Siward  here  alone, 
Beforehand  !     Has  it  reached  his  brain,  his  heart. 
What  marriage  with  me  means  ?     Not  yet,  I  think ; 
I'ut  if  in  all  my  state  I  came  to  him, 


68  GODFRIDA  [ACT  in 

And  kneeling,  laid  my  coronet  at  his  feet !  — 

I  am  inspired  with  this  ! 

Ise7}ibert.  And  being  scorned 

Your  Grace  would  die  of  shame, 

Erviengarde.  It  is  my  life 

I  seek  to  purchase  ;  for  without  his  love 

I  'd  scorn  myself  and  be  ashamed  to  live. 

{^Crosses  to  the  left  quickly. 

Isembert.    I  am  a  prisoner  still. 

Ennengarde.  Summon  the  guard. 

[Isembert  brings  iji  Halberdiers  fi-om  the  back, 

who  promptly  guard  hif/t.'l 

Your  charge  is  at  an  end. 

[Halberdiers  salute  and  go  out.'\ 

Oh,  now  I  know 
That  I  shall  win  him. 

Isembert.  And  if  not? 

Ermengarde.  Why  then 

You  shall  proceed  unfettered.     But  this  time 
My  heart  is  sure  :  he  shall  at  last  perceive 
How  strong,  how  passionate,  how  great  I  am  ! 

{Goes  out  by  the  door  on  the  left. 

Isembert.     This,  now,  is  love  —  the  desperate,  jealous 
love 
To  anguish  doomed ;  for  no  felicity 
Can  spring  in  men,  except  from  barbcid  roots 


ACT  III]  GODFRIDA  69 

Of  discontent  and  envy  deeply  struck 

In  some  sore  heart  that  hoped  to  have  the  flower. 

\^Goes  out  by  the  door  on  the  right. 
Enter  Gaucelm  by  the  door  on  the  left j  and  Attend- 
ants   by   the    large    door.       They    light    the   lamps. 
The  'moonlight  begins  to  shine  on  the  windows.     The 
Attendants  have  gone  out,  and  Gaucelm  is   about 
to  go  out,  when  Anselm  and  Thangbrand  enter  by 
the  door  on  the  right. 
Anselm.    Gaucelm  !  Gaucelm  !   Can  we  see  her  Grace  ? 
Gaucelm.     Where  have  you  been  rambling  all  day,  sir? 
I  am  amazed  that  you  should  have  the  foolhardiness  to 
propose  to  come  into  her  Grace's  presence. 

Anselm.  But  1  am  foolhardy,  Gaucelm.  Will  you 
ask  her  Grace  if  Siward's  man,  Thangbrand,  may  wait 
upon  him  ? 

Gatuebn.     I  will,  sir;  and  say  something  besides. 

\^Goes  out  by  the  door  on  the  left. 
Anselm.  He  will  now  accuse  me  of  insubordination. 
Well,  never  mind.  We  are  in  luck,  Thangbrand.  I  can 
show  you  how  Siward  shall  escape.  \_Leads  Thang- 
brand to  the  small  door  at  the  back.']  Remember,  you 
must  be  sure  to  say  to  him  at  once  that  it  was  my  plan, 
Thangbrand.     Ynu  will  say  it  was  my  plan .'' 

Thatigbrand.  Your  plan,  young  master.  Where  is 
his  cell? 


70  GODFRIDA  [act  III 

Anselm.  Oh,  he  is  not  in  a  cell!  This  chapel  leads 
to  the  corridor  upon  which  the  room  opens  where  Siward 
is  imprisoned.  A  sentinel  is  on  guard.  As  soon  as  you 
are  admitted  you  must  change  habits  with  Siward.  I 
shall  come  along  the  corridor  as  if  by  chance,  and  enter 
into  conversation  with  the  sentinel. 

Thangbrand.     Not  if  I  were  the  sentinel. 

Anselm.  But  you  are  not  the  sentinel.  Then  Siward 
must  knock,  and  when  the  door  is  opened  he  steps  out  in 
your  habit,  and  I  say,  "  Ah,  Thangbrand !  How  docs 
Siward  take  his  fall?"  —  or  something  like  that — you 
see?  When  the  sentinel  peeps  into  the  room  before 
fastening  the  door  again,  he  shall  see  only  your  back, 
for  you  must  be  looking  out  at  the  window  in  Siward's 
habit.  Meanwhile  Siward  and  I  saunter  up  the  corridor, 
and  through  the  chapel  to  this  gallery,  from  which  a  pas- 
sage leads  directly  out  of  the  palace. 

Thangbrand.  It  may  succeed ;  but  not  if  I  were  the 
sentinel.  —  And  what  will  they  do  with  me,  do  you  think? 

Anselm.  And  with  me  ?  I  would  risk  anything  for 
Siward. 

Thangbrand.     And  so  would  I ! 

Re-enter  Gaucelm. 

Gaticelm.  The  Duchess  permits  Thangbrand  to  visit 
his  master. 

Anselm.     Splendid ! 


ACT  III]  GODFRIDA  7I 

Gaucclm.     The  Duchess   commands   her  disobedient 
page,  Ansehn,  to  wait  upon  her  unmediately. 
Anselm.     But  — 

Gaucebn.     On  pain  of  imprisonment. 
Ansehn.     Oh !  —  You    will    wish   you   had   held   your 
tongue,  master  Seneschal.     I  shall  tread  upon  your  toes 
for  this  —  upon  every  corn  in  your  splay-footed  vanity. 

\^Goes  out  iffipaiiently  by  the  door  on  the  left. 
Thangbrand  stares  stolidly  at  Gaucelm 
and  goes  out  by  the  door  en  the  right. 

Enter  Ingleram  and  Dagobert  by  the  large  door. 

Gaucelm.  Good  evening,  Sir  Ingleram.  Good  even- 
ing, sir. 

Ingleram.  What  is  tliis  ridiculous  story  about  my 
niece  ? 

Gaucelm.  I  think  she  hardly  finds  it  ridiculous,  sir, 

Ingleratn.  It  is  true,  then.     She  is  in  prison  ? 

Gaucelm.  Her  liberty  is  certainly  restrained. 

Ingleratn.  And  Siward  and  Isemberl  ? 

Gaucelm.  They  also  are  under  guard. 

Ingleram.  On  a  charge  of  conspiracy  ?    [Gaucelm 

assents. \  I  pray  you,  say  to  the  Duchess  that  I  will 
become  surety  for  my  niece. 

Dagobert.  And  I  also,  if  her  uncle  is  not  sufficient. 


72  GODFRIDA  [act  III 

Gaucehn.  Frankly,  gentlemen,  I  cannot  promise.  I 
carried  a  request  to  her  Grace  just  before  you  came  :  she 
granted  it,  but  she  forbade  me  to  trouble  her  again. 

Dagobe7't.     Entreat  one  of  her  ladies  to  carry  it. 

Gaucebn.  I  shall  endeavour  the  utmost.  Will  you 
wait? 

Inglet'am.     I  shall  be  much  your  debtor. 

Dagobert.     And  I. 

[Gaucelm  goes  out  by  the  door  OJi  the  left. 

Jngleram.     Can  we  be  suspected  ? 

Dagobert.     I  think  not. 

Enter  Cyprian    and  Berthold    by   the    large   door. 
Berth  OLD  has  reached  the  grave  and  wise  stage  of 
intoxication. 

Cyprian.  We  saw  you  enter  the  palace  and  came 
after  to  know  the  news. 

Inc'leram.     The  news  of  what? 

Berthold.     Any  —  news. 

Inglcratn.  Your  feet  stumble  and  your  tongue  trips, 
sir. 

Berthold.     Policy  —  good  policy. 

Ingleratn.     Policy  !     I  call  it  drunkenness. 

Bej-thold.  The  same  thing.  You  can  never  be  sup- 
posed conspirators  so  long  as  I  frequent  your  company. 


ACT  III]  GODFRIDA  •^'^ 

Keep  a  good  heart :  for  I  shall  be  continually  drunk  till 
Esplandian  comes  :  that  will  obviate  all  suspicion. 

Cyprian.  Have  you  the  message  from  Esplandian  you 
spoke  of  in  the  morning? 

Inglcram.  Yes ;  but  let  mc  tell  you,  sir,  I  suspect 
you.  You  are  Isembert's  right-hand  man.  What  do 
these  sudden  arrests  mean  ? 

Cyprian.  How  should  I  know?  Some  caprice  of  the 
Duchess's. 

Dagobo-t.  The  Duchess's  caprices  have  hitherto  been 
dictated  by  Isembert. 

Cyprian.     He  is  himself  a  prisoner. 

Dagobert.     We  are  not  to  be  blinded  by  that, 

Cyprian.  Umph !  Can  you  not  understand?  Isem- 
bert bought  me,  and  used  me,  taking  my  ignoble  nature 
for  granted.  The  conquest  of  Provence  by  Esplandian 
will  ruin  him  :  I  shall  see  him  reduced  to  ask  alms  of  me. 
Show  me  the  letter. 

Ingleram.  1  shall  come  to  you  with  it  after  my  busi- 
ness here. 

Cyprian.  But  this  is  an  excellent  rendezvous.  In  the 
hall  of  the  palace,  and  accompanied  by  tlie  politic  Ller- 
thokl,  who  shall  suspect  us?  [Ingleram  gives  iiim  a 
letter,  which  he  reads.]  Ah  !  here  is  no  stealthy  whisper 
in  an  alcove,  of  less  value  than  a  lover's  sigh  !     Stout 


74  GODFRIDA  [ACT  III 

parchment  and  black  ink !  Dagobert  to  be  Constable ; 
you  to  have  Godfrida's  estate ;  and  lands  and  money  for 
all  your  associates. 

Ingleram.     I  call  it  a  substantial  promise. 

Cyprian  {returns  the  letter\  And  a  simple  piece  of 
villainy  too.  When  the  battle  joins  we  are  to  kill  Siward, 
and  go  over  to  Esplandian  with  all  who  will  follow  us. 

/ngleram.     That  is  his  meaning. 

Cyprian.     He  seems  to  be  heartily  afraid  of  Siward. 

Ingleram.     He  knows  Siward's  quality  by  experience. 

Berthold  [^buttonholing  Ingleram  with  one  hand  and 
flourishing  the  other  at  Dagobert].  Extraordinary 
men  —  men  who  interfere  with  the  common  course  of 
events  —  should  always  be  killed.  We  must  kill  Isembert, 
too. 

Cyprian.  Oh,  no  !  we  reserve  him  for  a  worse  fate. 
Indigence  to  men  like  Isembert  is  more  terrible  than 
death. 

Berthold.  I  would  have  him  killed.  He  called  me  a 
bottle.  Superior  persons  should  be  killed  :  to  be  superior 
is  to  have  an  unjust  advantage  over  the  rest  of  the  world. 

Cyprian.  The  whole  philosophy  of  envy! — Come 
along,  Berthold  ;  you  shall  impart  all  your  wisdom  to  me. 
—  [To  Ingleram.]    Shall  I  see  you  to-night? 

Ingleram.   Yes  ;  at  my  house. 


ACT  III]  GODFRIDA  75 

[Cyprian  and  Berthold  go  out  by  the  large  door. 
Re-enter  Gaucelm  with  Halberdiers  by  the 
door  on  the  left.'\ 

Well,  Gaucelm  ? 

Gaucelm.  As  I  feared  ;  none  dared  intrude. 

But  you  must  go.     She  comes  to  question  Siward. 

[Ingleram  attempts  to  take  Gaucelm  aside. ^^ 

No  ;  no  !      I  cannot  listen,  [/"i?  the  Halberdiers].  Clear 
the  hall ! 

[Ingleram  and  Dagobert  go  out  reluctantly  by 
the  large  door,  followed  by  the  Halberdiers, 
who  form  outside  the  door.  Then  Gaucelm 
ushers  Ermengarde  by  the  door  on  the  left. 
Anselm  and  Maids-of-Honour  attend  her. 
She  is  in  her  robes  of  state,  and  wears  a  ducal 
crown.  She  sits  on  one  of  the  chairs  near  the 
dais.  At  a  sign  from  her  Gaucelm,  An- 
selm, and  Maids-of-Honour  go  out  by  the 
door  on  the  left.  Then  Siward  is  brought 
in  by  the  door  on  the  right. 

Ermengarde.    Siward,  I  cannot,  will  not,  give  you  up. 
[Siward  makes  an  impatient  gesture.'] 
Indeed,  there  is  none  like  you,  Siward  —  none  ! 
A  crafty  man  would  soon  have  groped  his  way 


76  GODFRIDA  [act  hi 

To  my  soul's  inner  room  ;  your  loyalty 
Halted  upon  the  threshold  of  my  thought, 
Nor  cast  a  single  curious  glance  within. 
Until  I  spoke  had  you  no  hint,  no  glimpse 
Of  my  consuming  love  ?     Did  you  not  hear 
Across  the  slumbering  city,  how  my  heart 
Kept  nightly  vigil,  beating  "  Siward,  Siward  "  ? 

Siward.   To  me  you  were  the  symbol  of  the  state 
In  whose  defence  I  rose  to  eminence. 
Release  Godfrida ;  set  me  also  free : 
Then  shall  I  think  you  love  me. 

Ermengarde.  Bitter !  —  rude  ! 

Why  do  you  love  Godfrida  ? 

Siward.  Why  do  you 

Love  me  ? 

Ermengarde.    Because  you  are  the  only  man 
In  all  the  world  to  whom  I  would  entrust 
My  body  and  my  soul.  —  Godfrida's  love  ? 
A  sweet  and  fair  domestic  comedy  ! 
A  toy  —  a  paltry  feather  in  your  cap. 
That  in  the  tumult  of  a  soldier's  life 
Must  soon  grow  limp  and  drop  into  the  mire. 
My  love,  begirt  with  wars,  with  cares  of  state 
Heavily  jewelled,  would  fulfil  and  deck 
Your  span  of  years  as  richly  as  the  night 


ACT  III]  GODFRIDA  yy 

Is  belted,  bossed,  and  overhung  with  stars : 
Lo  !  at  your  feet  I  and  my  passion  lie ! 

\_Kni:i:ls  and  lays  her  crown  at  SiwARD'sy^fA  He 
lifts  the  crown^  replaces  it  on  her  head,  and 
leads  her  to  a  seat. 

Situard.     Godfrida  has  my  love  ;  but  I  have  done 
With  all  reproach  and  censure,  and  will  speak 
Solicitously  now,  and  heedfuUy 
As  mortals  should  when  the  strong  wine  of  life 
Maddens  a  suffering  soul  —  humbly,  indeed, 
For  I  have  drunken  deep  of  the  same  cup.  — 
A  landless  wanderer,  shackled  to  my  sword, 
I  followed  chance  and  peril,  knowing  love 
But  as  a  pastime,  till  a  miracle 
Befell  me  in  your  city. 

Ermetigardc  \jmder  her  breath\     What! 

Siwa^-d.  I  rode 

One  evening  from  a  field  where  victory 
Had  flattered  me  ;  the  doting  multitude 
Shouted  my  name  ;  my  horse  on  garlands  trod ; 
I  ceased  to  think,  and  yielded  to  the  hour. 
On  my  entranced  and  twilight  mood  there  fell 
Godfrida's  eyes,  still  and  devout  with  love. 
Her  spellbound  brows  shed  from  her  lattice  power 
Upon  my  fancy  and  upon  my  will. 


78  GODFRIDA  [ACT  III 

It  seemed  to  me  my  life  was  rooted  up 
And  set  anew  in  virgin  ground,  wliose  strength 
Brought  forth  a  sudden  passion  as  divine 
As  that  which  ripened  in  Godfrida's  breast. 
I  love  her  and  shall  love  her  always.     None 
Came  ever  fresher  from  on  high  than  she. 
Your  Grace  must  suffer  love  to  work  its  will. 
Ermengarde.    I  do  !     I  suffer  —  for  your  happiness. 
Siward.    Our  lives  are  tangled  in  a  lover's  knot, 
Which  may  not  be  undone  —  except  by  you. 
Ermengarde.    That  would  be  by  my  death,  then :    I 
should  die 
If  you  were  married  to  Godfrida  —  her 
Who  gave  the  lie  to  me !     Disgraced  and  scorned, 
'T  is  I  shall  cut  this  knot  —  and  this  one  too  ! 

\She   tries    to    snatch   Godfrida's   ribbon  from 
Siwaud's  arm.     He  grasps  her  wrists  and 
she  screams. 
Siward.     You  might  as  well  attempt  to  wrench  the 
moon 
From  her  deep  home  in  heaven.     My  heart  is  heaven, 
For  there  Godfrida  dwells. 
Re-enter  Isemdekt  hnrried/y  by  the  door  on  the  right. 
Ermengarde  \to  Isembert].     Do  what  you  will ! 

\Goes  out  by  the  door  on  the  left. 


ACT  III]  GODFRIDA  79 

Siivard.    How  comes  it  you  are  free  ? 
Isembert.  Her  Grace  has  found 

My  treachery  peculiar  diligence 
In  her  behalf. 
Siivard.  Are  you  my  enemy  ? 

Isembert.     If  you  suspect  me,  then  I  must  be  so: 
Fear  makes  an  enemy  of  truth  itself. 

{Brings  in  Si  ward's  Guard  by  the  door  on  the 
right. 
Siivard.   When  I  regain  my  freedom  I  shall  ask 
A  clear  account  of  your  complicity 
In  these  unworthy  dealings. 

Isembert.  Understand, 

I  answer  my  inferiors  as  I  please. 
Siivard.   And  with  my  sword  I  punish  insolence. 

\Goes  out.,  guarded.,  by  the  door  on  the  right. 
Isembert.    So  ! 

{Re-enter  Cyprian  by  the  large  door.'\ 

Cyprian  !     The  plot  .-* 

Cyprian.  An  idle  toy  — 

A  bubble.     If  Esplandian  wins,  tliey  hope 
To  profit  in  the  scramble. 

Isembert.  Shallow  apes ! 

Cyprian.    What  must  I  say,  my  lord,  if  I  am  asked, 
As  I  will  be,  concerning  your  arrest  ? 


80  GODFRIDA  [act  hi 

Isernbert.    Say    I   am   free!  —  Go,  now,  and   tell   the 
guard 
The  Duchess  waits  to  see  Godfrida  here. 

[Cyprian  goes  out  by  the  door  on  the  right. 

Adomar\off  the  stage\     I  must !  I  will !    Stand  back  ! 

{Enter  Adomar  by  the  large  door,  booted,  spurred, 
travel-stained,  excited.'] 

Esplandian  comes ! 
I  saw  his  outposts  from  Theodoric's  tower. 
Where  is  the  Duchess? 

[Crosses  to  left  door. 
Isetnbert.  Adomar ! 

Adomar.  What  now? 

Isetnbert.   You  cannot  see  her. 
Adomar.  Cannot  see  her  ? 

Isembert.  No. 

{Crosses  to  Adomar  and  leads  him  to  the  door  at 
the  back.] 
You  love  Godfrida  ?    Well ;  strange  things  have  chanced. 
You  must  withhold  these  tidings  for  a  while. 
Adojnar.    But,  Isembert  — 

Isembert.  Tell  no  one.     Everything 

Depends  upon  your  silence. 
Adomar.  On  the  way 


ACT  III]  GODFRIDA  8 1 

I  passed  another  riding  with  the  news  : 
He  may  forestall  me  if  I  speak  not  now. 

Isembert.    A  childish   thought!      For  shame!      Wait 
patiently  ! 
I  have  a  great  surprise  in  store  for  you. 

{^Bundles  Adomar  otit  by  the  large  door. 
GoDFRiDA  is  ushered  in  by  the  door  on  the  right. 

Godfrida.   Where  is  the  Duchess  ? 

Isembert.  You  are  left  to  me. 

Godfrida.    To  you  I  —  Unquestioned  —  now  —  at  once  ? 

Isembert.  At  once ! 

My  vengeance  never  waits  on  providence. 
I  have  devised  a  torture  that  shall  last 
Your  time  and  mine  :  for  you  shall  be  my  wife. 

Godfrida.     Indeed.?     Two  people  would  be  tortured 
then. 

Isembert.     A  fiery  furnace  for  us  both  !  —  To-day 
Twice  have  I  put  your  spirit  to  the  test ; 
You  shrank  before  the  promise  of  my  hate; 
But  in  the  grip  of  it  your  courage  came  : 
So  when  I  heard  you  say  "  The  Duchess  lies !  " 
You  conquered  me.     And  I  must  conquer  you : 
I  will  have  victory. 

Godfrida.  I  fear  you  not : 

You  are  of  those  who  follow  ruthlessly 

6 


82  GODFRIDA  [act  hi 

Their  self-determined  aims,  who  deem  themselves 
The  governors  of  destiny  ;  but  let 
Ingenuous  natures  their  intrigues  withstand, 
Then  these  presumptuous  overseers  of  fate, 
Rebuked  and  quelled,  are  lost  in  impotence. 

Isembert.     In  impotence  !     Your  liberty,  your  life  — 
I  hold  them  in  the  hollow  of  my  hand  ! 

Godfrida.     I  understood  it  was  my  love  you  sought. 

\^A  pause. 

Isembert.     And  hope  to  capture  even  yet.     Your  scorn 
Bruising  my  heart,  releases  gentle  thoughts 
To  help  me  at  my  need.  —  Is  it  my  age 
Repels  you  ?     Maiden,  love  for  me  is  still 
Wonder  and  adoration.     Fresh  as  yours 
My  heart  is,  and  as  young.     Ambition  held 
Me  prisoner :  when  at  last  I  burst  its  bonds 
And  reached  the  height  of  power,  I  found  you  there  : 
For  on  the  day  I  grasped  the  seal  you  came 
To  wish  me  joy  —  the  laughing  girl  I  tossed 
A  word  to  sometimes,  in  a  moment  grown 
A  woman,  far  off,  sweet  and  grave  as  night ; 
Deep  mystery  in  her  eyes,  and  starry  chains 
Of  passion  for  my  new-delivered  soul. 

Godfrida.     I  did,  indeed,  admire  you,  Isembert; 
But  never  dreamt  of  love. 


ACT  III]  GODFRIDA  83 

Isembert.  I  dreamt  of  it ; 

And  wooed  you  long.     Was  I  too  haughty  ?     Now 
Let  me  make  full  amends. 

\He  kneels  and  takes  her  hand,  which  she  7vith- 
draivs.     He  then  grasps  her  skirt.'] 
Oh !  I  am  sure 
That  Siward  loves  you  not  so  tenderly 
As  I  do ;  and  I  thuik  no  soul  of  man 
Did  ever  suffer  pangs  more  merciless 
Than  mine,  desiring  you  for  my  delight, 
My  mistress,  and  my  wife. 

Godfrida.  You  shame  yourself 

To  crawl  so  at  my  feet. 

Isembert  \7-ises\  What  must  I  do  ? 

Be  great,  and  tell  me  how  to  win  your  love ! 

Godfrida.     I  am  content  to  undergo  the  hate 
You  offered  first. 

Isembert.  But  I  am  not  content 

To  be  the  abject  hateful  thing  that  hates : 
I  have  had  a  vision  of  the  soul  of  life, 
And  love  alone  is  worthy  ! 

Godfrida.  Love  alone ! 

Then  you  will  pardon  Sivvard's  love  and  mine, 
And  envy  not  at  our  felicity  ; 
For  love  must  pardon  love  —  must  pardon  fate. 


84  GODFRIDA  [act  hi 

Jsemberi.     And  who  shall  pardon  me  ?     My  life  must 
shrink, 
And  all  the  strength  and  sweetness  of  my  love 
Decay  to  nourish  your  felicity  — 
Your  sleek  felicity  !     Who  shall  forgive 
My  fate  —  my  infelicity  ?     Reply  ! 

Godfrida.     Our  wills  are  at  a  deadlock  ! 

Isenibert.  Truly !  Death 

May  be  the  only  pardoner  for  us  !  — 
You  choose  my  hate  ? 

Godfrida.  I  choose  my  love  ! 

Jsembert.  And  make 

Me  mean  and  devilish  !     To  be  the  king 
Of  all  the  world,  or  of  the  noblest  sphere 
That  space  can  boast,  the  masterpiece  of  time, 
Would  not  console  my  infinite  distress ! 
Not  to  be  loved,  loving  you  as  I  do  !  — 
Oh,  it  is  monstrous,  horrible,  unjust 
That  men  should  suffer  thus  !  —  You  doom  my  soul, 
Most  capable  of  every  lofty  joy, 
To  fester  in  a  slough  of  jealousy, 
Of  envy,  malice,  rancour  !     Pitiless 
As  happy  love  itself  my  hate  shall  be ! 

[Godfrida  stands  in  deep  distress.     Isembert 
brings  in  Ladies   and  Gentlemen,  the  Lieu- 


ACT  III]  GODFKIDA  85 

tenant  ivith  Halberdiers  and  Adomar  by 
the  la7ge  door;  Ermengarde,  Gaucelm, 
Anselm,  and  Maids-of-Honour  by  the  door 
on  the  left.  While  the  crowd  is  arranging 
itself  IsEMBERT  and  Ermengarde  talk  ear- 
nestly together^  and  ascend  the  steps  oj  the 
dais. 
Ermengarde.  Once  more,  Provence,  I  need  your 
loyalty : 

My  happiness  is  founded  on  your  hearts. 

You  witnessed  my  betrayal :  now  behold 

How  swiftly  justice  follows  treachery  ! 

[Indicatifig  Isembert.] 

For  this  most  faithful  friend,  he  erred  through  zeal 

In  my  behalf ;  no  blame  is  linked  with  him. 

Sit,  Isembert.     'T  is  you  shall  judge  this  cause, 

Since  I  myself  must  testify  against 

The  wanton  sorceress  who  stole  from  me 

What  most  on  earth  I  prized. 

Voices.  God  save  your  Grace  ! 

[Isembert  has  a  chair  placed  on  the  dais,  and 
whoi  Ermengarde  is  seated  in  it,  he  takes 
the  throne.  Anselm  stations  himself  at  the 
door  on  the  right;  Gaucelm  at  that  on  the 
left.     Ladies  are  seated  in  the  chairs  about 


86  GODFRIDA  [act  hi 

the  dais.     There  is  a  clear  space  froin  the 
front  of  the  dais  to  the  door  on  the  right. 
The  rest  of  the  stage  is  crowded.     Godfrida 
stands    near  the  centre    of   the  stage,   well 
towards  the  front.     As  soon  as   Isembeut 
begins  to  speak,  Anselm  slips  out  by  the  door 
on  the  right. 
Isembert.  Godfrida,  you  are  charged  with  sorcery 
Upon  the  accusation  of  her  Grace. 

Godfrida.    With  sorcery!  —  Indeed,  her  Grace  knows 
well 
The  compass  of  my  magic  ! 

Isembert  Ito  Ermengarde].     You  were  friends 
Atone  time,  madam. 

Ermengarde.  Yes,  and  played  at  witchcraft 

With  amulets  and  charms  and  periapts, 
Till  she  employed  her  art  to  work  her  will. 
Isembert.    How  do  you  know  she  used  her  heathen 
power 
On  Siward's  mind  ? 

Ertnengarde.  By  tokens  manifold. 

Is  it  not  known  to  all  that  till  to-day 
Godfrida  and  the  Norseman  never  met? 
No  word,  no  letter,  not  a  syllable, 
No  message,  gift,  or  sign  between  them  passed  : 


ACT  III]  GODFRIDA  8/ 

And  yet  you  saw  how  Siward  galloped  off 
Like  a  rude  bandit  from  the  tournament 
The  moment  her  enchanted  ribbon  touched 
His  hand,  gauntleted  though  it  was. 

Isetnbert.    This  seems  like  witchcraft.     Was  there  any 
reason 
Why  Siward  should  have  spurned  Godfrida's  love 
Had  he  been  free  from  her  resistless  spell  ? 

Ermengardc.     There  was  :  he  might  have  won  a  nobler 
love. 

Isembert.   What  was  the  nature  of  Godfrida's  charm  ? 

Ertnengarde.    Siward  himself  in  his  delirious  talk 
Revealed  the  method  of  her  sorcery. 
In  ambush  at  her  window  long  she  watched 
Till  fortune  brought  him  riding  past  her  lair. 
Then  over  him  she  flung  with  silent  spells 
So  searching  and  so  terrible  a  look, 
That  she  extorted  from  his  inmost  will 
All  power  to  change  or  choose,  and  made  him  hers 
Until  the  charm  be  broken.     Now  he  raves 
Of  miracles  and  of  a  flowering  plant 
That  blossoms  in  his  heart.     Most  sad  it  is 
To  see  his  noble  spirit  overcome 
By  such  unhallowed  means. 

Isetnbert.  How  overcome? 


88  GODFRIDA  [act  III 

Save  in  his  frenzied  passion,  I  suppose 
He  has  his  wits  and  can  command  himself. 

Ermengarde.    In  everything  but  this. 

Isetnbert.  A  fatal  sign  ! 

Godfrida,  have  you  anything  to  say  ? 

Godfrida.    Nothing    to    you,   and    nothing    to    her 
Grace ; 
For  you  are  clearly  leagued  to  ruin  me  : 
But  I  appeal  to  every  open  mind. 
Enchantments,  necromancy,  mysteries 
Of  numbers,  and  the  wisdom  of  the  stars 
Her  Grace  and  I  together  conned  :  we  sought 
Occult  abilities  in  stones  and  herbs, 
In  earths  and  subtle  creatures  of  the  dark : 
But  innocently,  with  a  child's  delight 
In  things  prohibited  ;  or  if  the  use 
Of  magic  tempted  us  —  as,  I  confess. 
It  tempted  me  at  divers  idle  times  — 
We  still  resisted  while  our  friendship  held : 
Nor  have  I  yielded  since. 

Ermengarde.  You  dare  to  hint 

That  I  — 

Godfrida.    I  dare  do  anything  but  lie  ; 
For  am  I  not  contending  for  my  love  ? 
If  there  be  any  here  who  feel,  who  think, 


ACT  III]  GODFRIDA  89 

Whose  hearts  say  now,  or  who  remember  still 

What  love  is,  I  beseech  them  to  believe 

That  nature  was  tlie  only  sorceress. 

And  passion  all  the  magic  that  we  knew  — 

Siward  and  I,  bewitching  and  bewitched. 

I  loved  him  ere  I  saw  him,  hearing  told 

The  story  of  his  prowess,  while  his  name 

On  eager  tongues  o'er-ran  the  murmuring  street 

Like  one  who  sickens  till  the  judge  pronounce 

Immediate  life  or  death,  pulseless  I  watched 

His  crowded  passage :  had  he  not  looked  up 

I  think  I  should  have  died ;  but  our  eyes  met ; 

Our  souls  saluted  proudly,  swift  to  guess 

How  great  a  thing  had  happened  in  the  world  — 

Eniicngarde.    How  great  a  thing! 

Godfrida.  Was  it  not  great  indeed 

That  we  two  for  each  other  made  and  marked 
Should  thus  encounter  —  he,  out  of  the  North, 
A  casual  roving  visitant ;  and  I 
A  southern  home-bird  ?     Kneel  with  me  —  kneel  down, 

\^Kneels.'\ 
All  gentle  people,  and  implore  her  Grace 
To  thwart  no  love  decreed  by  destiny 
Like  mine  and  Siward's  —  a  surpassing  love, 
Most  strangely  sprung  to  perfect  life,  a  thing 


9©  GODFRIDA  [ACT  III 

To  tell  of  always,  beautiful  and  great !  — 
Will  no  one  help  ? 

Isembert.  Your  witchcraft  fails  you  here. 

You  are  upon  your  knees  ;  confess  your  crime, 
And  beg  her  Grace's  pardon. 

[GoDFRiDA  springs  to  her  feet  ^ 
No!  — the  law 
Condemns  the  sorceress  to  die  by  fire. 
Are  you  determined  to  be  burned  alive  ? 

Godfrida.      No!      [/«   a  piercing  voice. ~\      Si  ward! 
Si  ward ! 

SiWARD  in  Thangbrand's  dress  enters  the  gal- 
lery unseen  by  any  one  on  the  stage.    Anselm 
re-enters  by  the  door  on  the  right. 
Isembert.  Till  the  spell  be  broken 

You  shall  not  see  him.     Would  you,  while  you  burn. 
Behold  him  looking  on,  or  would  you  live 
A  free  maid  once  again?     Godfrida,  choose. 

Godfrida.     I  have  no  choice.     Siward  and  I  are  one. 
Isembert  \to  Ermengarde].    For  your  old  friendship's 
sake,  and  since  her  soul 
Seems  powerless  to  repent,  by  gentle  means 
Let  us  deliver  her  if  it  may  be. 
Were  she  to  wed  some  worthy  man,  I  think 
The  sinful  charm  might  end. 


ACT  III]  GODFRIDA  9 1 

Ermengarde.  I  think  it  might. 

Isembert.     Not  long  ago  she  loved  Sir  Adomar ; 
And  he  returned  her  love.     Let  them  be  — 

Godfrida.  Shame ! 

Adomar  !     \_Looks  about.']     Adomar  !  —  I  saw  him  here. 
[S/te  catches  Adomar's   eye,    and  he  comes  for- 
ward 7-eluctantly.'] 
Answer  me,  sir,  as  if  I  were  tlie  judge 
Of  all  things.     Did  I  ever  make  3'ou  think 
By  word  or  glance,  by  any  faintest  sign, 
That  you  were  more  to  me  than  one  I  knew  ? 

Adomar.     Never.  [Turns  back  into  the  crowd. 

Isembert.  He  wore  your  ribbon. 

Godfrida.  Adomar ! 

My  ribbon,  sir,  how  came  it  to  be  yours? 

[He  faces  Godfrida. 

Adomar.     By  chance. 

Godfrida.  Say  when. 

Adomar.  It  was  no  fault  of  mine. 

He  had  a  ribbon  too ;  and  so  had  he  — 
And  he  — and  he  :  I  could  not  help  myself. 
Godfrida's  ribl->on  fell  to  me  by  lot 
Upon  the  morning  of  St.  Valentine. 

Isembert.    Tnit  why  are  )'0u  tlie  only  pair  whose  names 
Were  coupled  when  the  sport  that  joined  them  ceased? 


92  GODFRIDA  [act  hi 

Godfrida.    Answer!   [Keeps  her  eyes  fixed  on  Adouak. 

Adoviar.  Because  I  wore  her  ribbon  still; 

And  talked  of  marrying  her;  and  bragged  — and  talked. 

Isembert.     On  what  pretence  ? 

Adoviar.  Because  I  thought  .  .   .  because 

I  am  a  fool,  I  fear. 

Godfrida.  An  honest  one  ? 

Isembert.     Did  you  desire  to  marry  her? 

Adomar.  I  did. 

Isembert.     And  do  you  now  ? 

Adomar.  No. 

Isembert.  Why  not,  Adomar  ? 

Adomar.     Sometimes  T  thought  she  was  too  slight  for 
me, 
Because  she  seemed  so  simple  and  so  sweet; 
But  knowing  now  how  great  her  spirit  is, 
And  since  she  seems  — [^(^  Godfrida]   I   pray  you, 

pardon  me  — 
A  witch,  I  fear  I  am  no  mate  for  her. 

[Returns  into  the  crowd. 

Isembert.     Is  not  this  witchcraft?     Here  is  Adomar, 
The  very  vainest  man  in  all  Provence, 
Professing  poverty  of  soul,  because 
Godfrida  eyed  him  closely.     It  must  end. 
And  as  she  will  not  marry  Adomar, 


ACT  III]  GODFRIDA  93 

And  he  refuses  her,  she  shall  be  matched 
Beneath  her  rank ;  for  Sivvard  must  be  loosed 
From  her  malignant  power  immediately. 
Ermengarde.     Marry  her  to  a  beggar  from  the  streets. 
Isc7nbert.     It  shall  be  done  !     Godfrida,  ere  we  send 
To  fetch  your  husband,  will  you  break  the  spell. 
Confess  and  be  forgiven? 

[Godfrida  is  stunned j  the  bystanders  are  much 
moved,  and  ominous  glances  are  cast  at  Isem- 
BERT.]  Choose  again. 

The  choice  is  threefold  :  freedom,  death  by  fire, 
Or  marriage  with  a  beggar. 
Ertnengarde.  What  .^  —  She  spoke  .? 

Isembert.     Her  heart  is  vexed  beyond  the  power  of 
words.  — 
Anselm,  go  quickly  to  the  street;  bring  in 
The  first  man  you  encounter ;  rich  or  poor, 
Base-born  or  noble,  she  shall  marry  him, 
If  he  be  single  and  will  have  her.     Haste  ! 

[Anselm  goes  out  by  the  door  on  the  right  and 
SiWARD  leaves  the  gallery. '\ 
The  sight  of  him  whose  hand  can  rescue  her 
From  burning  may  decide  her  preference. 
Godfrida.      Madam,   you   loved  me   once  .  .  .  What 
can  I  say? 


94  GODFRIDA  [ACT  iii 

Is  there  no  pity  anywhere  ?     No  help  ? 

Hush  !     That 's  not  right !     There  was  a  word  I  had : 

Sweetly  and  vaHantly !     Yes  !     I  am  his  : 

And  you  can  never  sever  from  my  soul 

The  soul  of  Siward,  mine  in  life,  in  death. 

\UnsJieatJies  a  dagger  which  she  wears  in  her  belt. 
Anselm  ushers  in  Siward  by  the  door  on  the 
right.  Siward's  hat  hides  his  face.  GoD- 
FRIDA  is  the  first  to  recognise  him.  Dropping 
her  dagger  she  rushes  silently  into  his  arms. 
As  she  approaches  hifn  Siward  throws  off 
his  hat. 

Voices.     Siward  !  —  Long  life  to  Siward  and  Godfrida  ! 

[ISEMBERT,    quickly  concealing  his  discomfiture, 

rises  and  faces  Ermengarde,  who  has  also 

risen  in  fear  atid  anger. 

Isembert.     I  am  guiltless  here.     Chance  is  too  strong 

for  us. 

Enter  LuDOVic  by  the  large  door,  accompanied  by  Men- 
at-arms.  They  push  their  way  th?-ough  the  crowd  to 
the  front. 

Ludovic.     Madam,  a  messenger,  arrived  but  now 
Declares  Esplandian  has  crossed  the  Rhone, 
And  marches  on  St.  Andiol. 


ACT  in]  GODFRIDA  95 

Isembert.  I  know. 

You  had  my  mandate  to  prepare  for  war  ? 

Ludovic.     And  I  obeyed. 

Isembert.  When  can  our  troops  set  out  ? 

Ltidovic.     Now. 

Isembert.  Admirable  !    You  shall  lead  them.    Go. 

Captains  and  Men-at-arms.     No  !  Siward  !  Siward  ! 

Ludovic.  Siward,  I  say  too. 

Isembert.     That  cannot  be. 

Voices.  Siward  !  Siward  must  lead  ! 

Ermengarde  [demoralised by  the  clamour^    Let  Siward 
lead. 

Voices.  Give  him  his  sword  again  ! 

Ermengarde  [to  Gaucelm].     Bring  me  his  sword. 

Isembert  [delaying  Gaucelm  with  a  gesture^      But 
our  revenge  ? 

Ermengarde.  At  once ! 

[Gaucelm  goes  out  by  the  door  on  the  left.  ] 
I  cannot  face  an  outraged  people.     You  — 
Speak  to  them,  reconcile  them,  Isembert. 

Isembert  [reluctantly .,  to  Siward].       Her   Grace   re- 
stores your  freedom  and  command. 

Siward.      I    thank    her    Grace;    but    neither   will   I 
have 
Unless  Godfrida  be  released. 


96  GODFRIDA  [act  hi 

Voices.  Riglit,  sir ! 

Long  live  Godfrida !     Set  her  free,  your  Grace  ! 

Ermengarde  \i7i  a  choking  voice\.     I  set  her  free. — 

Speak  for  me,  Isembert! 
[Franiicaily.]     It  was  his  doing:  I  am  not  to  blame  ! 

[^Sinks  into  her  chair ^  wringing  her  hatids  in  fear 
and  shame. 

Re-enter  Gaucelm  with  Siward's  sword.     He  offers  it 
to  the  Duchess.,  but  Isembert  takes  it. 

Voices.   Down  with  him  !   Villain  !    Death  to  Isembert! 

Isembert.     Good  friends,  and  noble  foes  —  since  both 
are  here  — 

Voices.     All  foes ! 

Isembert.  All  foes,  then  !     On  myself  I  take 

Whatever  culpability  may  be 
In  these  proceedings  ;  but  condemn  me  not 
Unheard.     My  scrupulous,  unselfish  aim 
Contemplated  the  service  of  Provence 
In  liberating  Siward  from  a  bond 
Which  I  believed,  and  honestly  believed, 
A  danger  to  the  state,  knowing  that  war 
Knocked  at  our  gates  again. 

Voices.  A  lie  !     A  lie  ! 

Down  with  the  upstart !     Death  to  Isembert ! 


ACT  III]  GODFRIDA  97 

[ISEMBERT  endeavours  to  secu7-e  silence  by  his 
lofty  and  patient  bearing;  but  as  the  clamour 
continues^  he  at  last  throws  his  glove  on  the 
stage,  and  the  shouting  ceases.  Siward  lifts 
the  glove. 
Isembert.  Take  my  defiance,  then ! 
Siward.  Our  private  feuds 

Must  wait  until  we  conquer  outward  peace. 

Isembert.     Then  —  now  —  at  any  time  I  will  maintain 
Asfainst  the  world  that  this  malicious  witch 
Corrupted  Siward  and  deserves  to  die  ! 
Siward.     Unhallowed  liar ! 

Isembert  {returning  his  sword  to   Siward].      Your 
sword,  Sir  Constable. 


Act-drop  rapidly. 


98  GODFKIDA  [act  iv 


ACT    IV. 

SCENE. —  Theodoric's  Tower.  The  ruins  of  a  Gothic 
castle  situated  on  the  crest  of  a  low  hill.  A  juoulder- 
ing  ivy-covered  wall  stretches  obliquely  frotn  right  to 
left.  The  wall  decreases  in  height  toward  the  left, 
and  is  finally  broken  away,  showing  the  ridge  crowned 
in  the  near  distance  by  a  tower.  On  the  left  down  to 
the  front  are  trees  :  on  the  right,  a  gateway  and  a  few 
trees.  In  the  tniddle  of  the  wall  is  a  latge  window 
about  three  feet  from  the  grouftdj  the  ivy  grows  all 
round  and  outside  the  window.  On  the  extrcfne  right 
is  a  low  doorway  in  the  wall.  A^ear  the  centre  of  the 
stage  a  fragment  of  juasonry  to  serve  as  a  seat.  Be- 
hind and  over  the  wall  the  sky  alone  is  visible. 
There  are  five  entrances :  by  the  window  in  the 
centre;  by  the  low  doorway  on  the  right;  by  the  gate- 
way j  and  an  upper  and  lower  left  entrance. 

It  is  evening  when  the  act  opens,  and  the  suti  has 
sunk  by  the  end  of  it. 

On  the  rising  of  the  act-drop  Ingleram  is  stand- 
ing at  the  window  and  Dagobert  is  looking  out  on 
the  left. 


ACT  IV]  GODFRIDA  99 

With  the  exception  of  Axselm,  /;/  this  act  all  the 
tnen  are  armed  according  to  their  rank. 

Inglerajn  \_lurning  to  Dagobeut].  Well,  and  I  care 
not  who  knows  it,  I  would  sooner  watch  a  battle  from 
this  window,  than  have  the  whole  credit  of  gaining 
one. 

Enter  Cyprian,  lower  left. 

Dagobert.     Have  you  seen  Berthold  ? 

Cyprian.  I  passed  him  on  my  way  hither.  Adomar 
had  him  in  his  clutches. 

Ingleram  {who  has  crossed  to  the  left~\.  Here  comes 
Berthold  —  with  Adomar.  We  shall  never  get  rid  of  the 
fool.  [Comes  down  stage.  They  stand  close  together.'] 
Are  we  agreed  ?     Is  the  signal   understood  ? 

Dagobert.  Yes ;  when  the  battle  is  about  to  begin, 
Esplandian's  trumpets  shall  sound  retreat,  and  in  the 
amazement  and  confusion  of  this  we  change  sides. 

Ingleram.     And  we  four  together  charge  Siward. 

CyPriati.     How  many  men  have  you  ? 

Dagobert.  Why,  half  the  army  is  with  us  in  spirit. 
The  rank  and  file  hate  the  Norseman  and  his  tight  rein. 

Cyprian.  But  have  you  no  list  of  names?  1  trust  only 
acknowledged  traitors. 

Dagobert.     Oh,  yes  !  some  hundreds. 


lOO  GODFRIDA  [act  iv 

Cyprian.     And  these  will  go  over   compactly  in  the 
sight  of  both  armies  ? 
Dagobert.     Yes. 

E7iter  Berthold  and  Adomar,  upper  left. 

Adomar  [before  and  as  he  enters'].  Now,  for  my 
part,  sorcery  is  one  of  those  things  that  a  man  may  very 
well  consider  twice  or  thrice  before  — 

Ingleram.  Berthold,  we  had  some  words  yesterday  — 
your  hand. 

Berthold.     I  have  forgotten. 

Ingleram.     In  the  palace. 

Berthold.  No ;  my  memory  is  like  an  empty  sponge, 
and  my  head  aches  like  a  beaten  anvil.  Adomar,  tell 
them  the  news. 

Adotnar.  Why,  gentlemen,  the  Duchess  has  come 
into  the  camp  with  a  bevy  of  ladies.  They  have  watched 
Siward  carry  all  before  him  in  the  lists  —  including  me. 
Now  they  wish  to  see  him  win  a  battle.  And  here  they 
will  take  their  stand. 

higleram.  Ay,  ay,  Adomar !  Well,  since  the  Duchess 
is  the  prize  for  which  Esplandian  fights,  it  is  fitting  she 
should  be  in  evidence. 

Adomar.  Yes.  But  do  you  know  what  Isembert  is 
saying  ? 

Ingleram.     No,  Adomar. 


ACT  IV]  GODFRIDA  lOI 

Adoviar.  He  says  that  I  have  developed  a  fine  vein 
of  irony  —  which  was  unsuspected  in  me. 

Iftglerat/i.     Ah ! 

Adofuar.  But  is  your  niece  really  a  sorceress, 
Ingleram  ? 

Ingla-a/n.  Oh  yes  !  like  all  handsome  ladies.  The 
vein  of  irony,  Adomar;  show  us  the  splinter  that  pleased 
Isembert. 

Adomar.  Why,  it  was  thus.  The  Duchess  asked  me 
to  marry  Godfrida,  but  I  said,  "  No ;  seeing  she  is  so 
high-spirited,  I  perceive  I  am  no  mate  for  her."  [They 
stare  at  Jihii  blankly.']  Well,  Isembert  thinks  it  highly 
ironical.  I  did  n't  mean  it,  of  course ;  but  I  said  it :  you 
see  Godfrida  looked  at  me  so  fixedly  I  spoke  without 
thinking. 

Cyprian.     That  is  how  the  truth  always  leaks  out. 

Adomar.     Is  irony  truth  ? 

Dagobert  \J)omting  to  the  lcft\  Look  !  Si  ward  with 
Ludovic  and  those  of  his  person. 

[Godfrida   enters  on   the  right.,  and  seeing  her 
uncle  goes  out  i?n7ncdiately.'\ 

Berthold.     They  are  coming  this  way. 
I7igleram.     No ;    I  think  not.     They  can  observe  tlie 
enemy  as  well  where  they  arc. 

Berthold.     We  b.avc  a  better  view  here. 


I02  GODFKIDA  [act  iv 

I/igleraffi.     Let   us   slip  past   them.     The   trees   will 
screen  us. 

Adomar.     Isembert  said  it  was  irony.    He  said  I  must 
have  meant  it  ironically,  and  I  believe  Isembert. 
Cyprian.     Stick  to  that,  Adomar. 

\_All  except  Adomar  go  out  by  lower  left. 
Adomar.     Yes  ;    but  don't  you  also   think   it   highly 
ironical  1  \_About  to  go  out. 

Re-enter  Godfrida  on  the  right. 
Godfrida.     Adomar !     Adomar ! 
Adomar.     Godfrida ! 

Godfrida.    Help  me,  Adomar.    Tell  Siward  I  am  here. 
Adomar.     Tell  Siward  !  —  Yes ;  but  why  not  go  to  him 
yourself .? 

Godfrida.  It  must  not  be  known  that  I  have  come, 
unless  Siward  sanctions  my  presence.  See  that  no  one 
hears  you  but  Siward.     Quickly,  I  beg  you,  Adomar. 

[Adomar  goes  out  upper  left.     Godfrida,  screen- 
ing herself  behind  the  trees,  looks  out  left  for 
several  seco?ids  j    then  with  a  gesttire  of  de- 
light crosses  to  the  window. 
Enter  Siward,  upper  left 
Godfrida.     Siward ! 
Siward.  Godfrida ! 

Godfrida.  I  have  come  to  you ! 


ACT  IV]  GOD  FE  ID  A  IO3 

Siward.     Alone  ? 

Godfrida.  Alone. 

Siward.  On  foot? 

Godfrida.  On  Pericles, 

My  palfrey.     In  a  wood  I  tethered  him 
A  mile  away  :  if  I  had  ridden  here 
I  might  have  been  discovered  by  my  foe 
Ere  I  had  seen  you.     Will  she  send  me  back  ? 
Oh,  may  I  stay  ? 

Siwara.  My  word  is  here  supreme  ! 

And  stay  you  shall,  most  gallant  wanderer. 

Godfrida.     Who,  if  not  I,  should  see  you  in  the  field .'' 
Let  me  not  hinder  you.     Where  shall  I  go? 

Siward.    The  battle  is  not  yet. 

Godfrida.  When  will  it  be  ? 

Siward,     I  cannot  tell.     I  wait  to  be  attacked. 

Godfrida.     But  is  it  brave  to  wait  ? 

Siward.  '  Sometimes  it  is. 

Courage  endures  vexation  and  delay, 
Biding  its  time  while  frantic  cowardice 
Leaps  to  unlooked-for  ruin.     Timid  souls 
Are  always  in  a  hurry. 

Godfrida.  Am  I  then 

A  timid  soul  ?     I  hurried ;  I  w'as  vexed. 
I  thought  how  other  ladies  watching  you 


104  GODFRIDA  [act  iv 

Would  quail  and  flush  again  with  fear  and  joy, 
And  jealous  of  them  all  I  took  the  road. 

Siisjard.    Out  of  your  shining  eyes  your  brave  soul  leans 
As  from  your  lattice  once  your  body  bent ; 
You  are  all  light  and  fragrance,  fire  and  dew. 

Godfrida.     Oh,  as  I  galloped  hither,  in  my  ears 
The  rushing  wind  like  war-trumps  sang  !     I  heard 
The  snap  of  riven  lances,  and  the  clash 
Of  blades,  the  thudding  mace,  extorted  cries, 
Deep  groans  and  stifled  breath  !  — drums,  cymbals,  bells  ; 
And  in  a  flashing  vision  you  I  saw 
Order  the  battle  horsed  on  victory. 

Siward  \_pre-ocaipied.    Pointing  through  the  windoiv]. 
The  victory  will  be  thrust  upon  our  hands : 
Esplandian  cannot  wait.     He  shifts  his  front; 
Moves  here  and  there,  extends  this  wing  or  that, 
Until  his  army  like  a  restive  horse 
Unaptly  managed,  plunges  desperately. 
Here  you  can  watch  the  fight.     Now  I  must  go. 

Godfrida.     Let  me  go  with  you.     Just  a  little  way. 

[  They  go  out  upper  left. 
Enter  Ermengarde,  Isembert,  Ludovic,  Anselm,  and 
Lieutenant,  with  Ladies,  Maids-of-Honour  and  Hal- 
berdiers. 

Ertnengarde.     He  is  not  here. 


ACT  IV]  GODFRIDA  IO5 

Ludovic.  Madam,  he  went  this  way. 

Adomar  came  for  him. 

[ISEMBERT,  looking  out  upper  left,  points  out  Si- 
ward  and  GoDFRiDA  to  Ermengarde,  %vho 
then  comes  down  to  the  centre  of  the  stage  and 
sits,  holding  her  hand  to  her  heart.  Her 
maids  come  about  her  with  assistance,  but  she 
motions  them  away. 
Ermengarde.  Leave  me  awhile. 

\^All go  out  except  Isembert,  and  he  is  about  to  follow. 
Not  all  alone.     [Isembert  stands  beside  her.'\ —  I  should 

have  burned  the  witch  ! 
The  brilliant  day  a  smoky  hovel  seems 
While  she  free-hearted  breathes.     Oh,  Isembert, 
Can  nothing  help  me  now  ? 

Isembert  [with  disdain^     A  steadfast  will; 
That  always  can  avail.     Clasp  to  your  mind 
The  reason  why  you  set  Godfrida  free : 
Your  Duchy  was  at  stake,  and  Siward's  sword 
Your  only  hope :  you  dared  not  thwart  his  love. 

Ermengarde.     I  care  not  for  my  Duchy !  I  was  faint 
With  rending  passions,  and  my  memory 
Oblivious  of  the  true  alternative  — 
Her  life  or  mine.     Counsel  me  now  again. 
Isembert.     They  are  not  married  yet. 


I06  GODFKIDA  [act  iv 

Ermengarde  \rises  eagerly'].  True,  Isembert ! 

What  then,  my  friend  ? 

Ise?nberL  Nothing,  except  that  chance 

Is  active  in  the  world. 

Ermengarde.  The  chance  of  war? 

Isembert.     A  thousand  things  may  happen. 

Ermengarde.  Certainly ! 

Siward  may  fall.     That  would  not  be  amiss. 
I  hate  him  while  I  love  him. 

Isetnbcrt.  Love  is  blind 

Until  it  learns  to  hate  the  thing  it  loves. 

Ermengarde.     Godfrida  .  .  .  Isembert !     The  chance 
of  war ! 
Godfrida  —  she  might  fall ! 

Isembert.  Hardly  by  chance. 

Ermengarde.     But  it  might  seem  to  be  !     If  she  were 
dead, 
Out  of  her  grave  my  life  would  grow  again  ! 
Her  life  or  mine  !     Oh,  you  can  help  me  now ! 

Isembert.     The  chance  of  war.^    The  license  of  the 
camp : 
The  sutler's  men  ;  the  rabble  —  murderers 
Among  them ;  robbers,  bravos.   Killed  ?  —  and  robbed  ?  — 
But  Siward  would  not  love  you. 

Ertnengarde.  What  of  that ! 


ACT  IV]  GODFRIDA  IO7 

It  matters  little  now  who  has  his  love, 
If  this  one  hated  creature  be  not  she. 
Oh,  will  you  understand  a  woman's  heart ! 
She  was  my  rival,  and  she  baffled  me. 

Isenibert.     If  I  devise  Godfrida's  murder,  think 
Whose  death  would  follow  quickly. 

Ermengarde.  Whose,  then? 

Isetnbert.  Mine. 

You  see,  I  understand  one  woman's  heart. 

Ermengarde.     What !  I  would  have  you  killed  ? 

Isenibert.  I  n  fall  i  bly . 

Er}!te7igarde.     Because  I  would  be  in  your  power  ? 

Isetnbert.  Even  so. 

Ermengarde.      You    understand    me   not  at   all,    my 
friend.  — 
Who  knows  my  subtle  brain,  my  fiery  soul  ? 
Nay,  I  remember  all  your  adoration ! 
Oh,  if  you  love  me  let  Godfrida  die ! 

Isembert.     And   afterwards  ?      How  soon   should   my 
time  come  ? 

Ermengarde.     When  it  should  please  you. , 

Isembert.  Please  me  ? 

Ermengarde.  If  my  life 

Be  by  her  death  preserved  —  and  in  her  death 
Alone  lies  hope  for  me  !  —  I  owe  my  life. 


I08  GODFRIDA  [act  iv 

Isembert.     Your  life  ? 

Ermengarde.  Myself. 

Isembert.  You  owe  yourself  to  me? 

Ermengarde.     It  would   amaze   the  world !     But  we 
should  stir 
Amazement  more  profound ;  for  we  have  brains. 
What  could  we  not  accomplish,  Isembert? 
We  'd  make  Provence  a  kingdom  once  again ! 

Isembert.     You  mean  to  marry  me  —  to  be  my  wife  ? 

Ermengarde.    If  you  will  have  so  deeply  scorned  a  gift 
As  my  poor  broken  heart. 

\WatchingY,^':AY.^Gk.YiiyE. closely ,  Isembert  kisses 
her  hand,  and  then  her  cheek. 

Isembert.  By  chance  of  war. 

Ermengarde.     My  wounds  begin  to  heal. 

\^A  confused  noise  of  voices  is  heard  from  the  left. 
Isembert.  What  is  it  now  ? 

\^Re-enter  by  the  lower  left  LuDOViC,  Lieutenant  and  Hal- 
berdiers with  Marcabrun  atid  Melchior.  The 
Ladies  crowd  in  the  entrance.  Marcabrun  and 
Melchior  are  dressed  in  rags  and  rusty  armour. 
They  carry  long-swords ;  and  have  the  appearance  of 
thorough  scoundrels.  ] 

Who  are  these,  Ludovic  ? 


ACT  IV]  GODFRIDA  IO9 

Ludovic.  They  look  like  spies. 

We  found  them  lurking  in  a  thicket  near. 

Isembert.  Most  problematic  rogues  !   Leave  them  to  me. 

Ermengarde  {affecting  gAiety\     Come,  let  us  find  our 
amorous  general. 

[Ermengarde,  Ludovic,  Anselm,  a;/^///^  Ladies 
go  out  by  tlie  upper  left. 

Isembert  {to  Marcabrun  and  Melchior].  Come 
here.  [To  Lieutenant.]  Stand  aside.  [Lieutenant  and 
Halberdiers  dra%u  off,  and  the  Spadassins  approach  Isem- 
bert, tkjho  is  seated.']    What  are  you  ? 

Melchior.     We  are  poor  fellows,  sir. 

Isembert.    You  look  like  crafty  rascals.     Arc  you  spies  ? 

Marcabrun.     Oh,  no,  sir  !    Crafty  rascals,  but  not  spies. 

Melchior.  There 's  no  deceiving  you,  sir.  We  are 
Provencals. 

Isembert.     Of  what  town? 

Melchior.     Saddlers  of  Aix,  sir. 

Isembert.     And  why  have  you  left  your  work? 

Marcabrun.     It  left  u.s,  sir. 

Isembert.  You  must  not  lie  to  me.  You  robbed  your 
masters  and  decamped.  You  are  thieves,  human  vul- 
tures, come  hither  to  strip  the  dead.  And  I  suspect  you 
of  another  trade.  These  long-swords.  If  a  man  had  an 
enemy,  now  ? 


1 10  GODFRIDA  [act  iv 

Melchior.     What  do  you  take  us  for? 

Marcabrun.  For  cut-throats,  to  be  sure  !  He  has  an 
enemy. 

Isembert.     What  if  I  had  an  enemy  ? 

\He  7-ises^  and  the  three  draw  close  together. 

Marcabrun.  For  ten  broad  pieces  you  could  say 
indeed,  "I  had  an  enemy." 

Isembert.  Both  of  you  sliall  have  a  score  of  broad 
pieces. 

Melchior.     In  hand? 

Isembert.  Five  in  hand.  The  rest  when  the  deed  is 
done. 

Melchior.     Ten  in  hand. 

Isembert.  Five  in  hand ;  or  you  shall  hang  off- 
hand. 

Marcabrun.  Let  it  be. — When  and  where  shall  we 
receive  the  balance  ? 

Isembert.  Be  at  the  gate  of  the  Cathedral  of  Aries 
to-morrow  by  sunset. 

Marcabnm.     Who  shall  bring  it  ? 

Isembert.     I,  or  another. 

Marcabrun.     Who  are  you,  sir? 

Isembert.  That  is  not  in  the  bargain.  —  I  shall  keep 
you  under  arrest  in  the  meantime.  When  I  set  you  free, 
you  must  hide  in  my  neighbourhood.     After  the  battle 


ACT  iv]  GODFRIDA  III 

joins,  seeming  to  fly  in  terror,  you  shall  observe  a  lady 
standing  beside  me  on  my  left. 

Marcabrun.     Observe  a  lady  standing  on  your  left. 

Iscmbert.  Your  swords  are  in  your  hands  as  you  rush 
past 

Marcabrun.  And  being  beside  ourselves  with  fear  we 
might  in  our  panic  wound  the  lady. 

Isemberi.     Death. 

Marcabrun.  Kill  her  outright  by  one  of  those  unto- 
ward accidents.  —  And  afterwards  ? 

Iscmbert.     Continue  your  flight.     Save  yourselves. 
[The pair  move  a  little  aside  and  consult  in  whispers. 

Marcabrun.     On  your  left,  sir? 

Iscmbert.     On  my  left. 

[The pair  agree  together,  and  hold  out  their  hands 

to  ISEMBERT. 

[Giving  money.']  I  shall  seem  to  repel  your  attack; 
but  heed  nothing  I  may  do  or  say. 

Marcabrun.     It  is  understood,  sir. 

Melchior.  Unless  we  see  a  clear  way  of  escape  we 
harm  no  one,  remember. 

Iscmbert.  That  also  is  understood.  [Recalls  Lieu- 
tenant.] Resume  your  charge.  These  are  not  spies. 
Proceed. 

[Lieutenant  a«^  Halberdiers  march  Marcabrun 
attd  Melcmior  o:it  lower  left. 


112  GODFRIDA  [act  iv 

Isembert.     She  means  my  death  :  she  could  not  marry 
me! 
Yet  stranger  things  have  been  ...  I  kissed  her  cheek. 
Would  mere  dissimulation  suffer  that  ?  .  .  . 
I'll  play  the  great  game  as  it  should  be  played: 
There  is  one  way  alone  —  the  way  to  win. 

{^Keitle-drmns  are  heard  from  the  valley.  Re- 
enter Lieutenant  with  Marcabrun,  Mel- 
CHIOR,  and  Halberdiers. 

Well  1 
Lieutenant.     The  Duchess  is  returning,  sir, 
Isembert  {takes  Marcabrun  and  Melchior  to  the  low 
doorway  at  the  back].     Down  there ;  and  see  you  do  your 
duty.  [Marcabrun  a«(/ Melchior  go  out. 

Re-enter  Ermengarde  lower  left. 

Isembert.     Esplandian  descends  into  the  plain. 

Ermengarde.      As    Siward    said    he    would.  —  Is    it 
prepared  ? 

Isembert.     Yes. 

Ermengarde.         Shall  I  see  it  ? 

Ise?nbert.  Yes,  if  you  look  on. 

Ermengarde.    I  spoke  to  her  —  Oh!  civilly  enough!  — 
Her  senses  reel  with  love  and  pride.     She  comes 
To  watch  the  battle  here. 


ACT  IV]  GODFRIDA  II3 

Isembert.  And  that  is  well, 

For  she  must  stand  by  me. 

Er?nengardc.  I  shall  take  care. 

Iscvibert  {indicating  Halberdiers].      These   must  be 
furtlier  off. 

Ervicngarde.        Appoint  their  place. 

Isembert.  Station  yourselves  among  the  cypresses. 
[Lieutenant  and  Halberdiers  a)-e  about  to  file  oiit, 
upper  left,  when  Godfrida  and  Anselm 
ettter  quickly^  and  cross  to  the  window, 
Maids-of-Honour  and  Ladies  enteral  some 
upper  and  some  lower  left,  and  look  over 
the  wall  where  it  is  lowest.  The  Halberdiers 
go  out,  but  re-enter  when  the  trumpet  sounds 
and  look  oi'er  the  wall  among  the  ladies. 
Ermengarde,  standing  near  the  centre  of  the 
stage,  watches  Godfrida.  Isembert,  near 
the  front,  on  the  left,  watches  the  whole  scene. 

Anselm  [seated  in  the  window"].     I  cannot  see  him  yet. 

Godfrida.  There,  Anslem  !     Look  ! 

He  rides  to  battle  ! 

Anselm.  And  I  am  dangling  here 

Among  the  women  on  a  ruined  wall  ! 
I  have  no  chance,  Godfrida! 

Godfrida.  You  shall  see 

8 


114  GODFRIDA  [ACT  IV 

Your  hero  triumph.     Is  not  that  enough  ? 
The  sky  broods  over  him ;  the  breathless  winds 
Are  hstening:  when  the  silver  clarions  sound 
Siward  shall  gather  victory  like  a  rose. 

[/J  trumpet  sotmds  from  the  valley. 
Erviengarde  \_ruslics  to  the  windouf].     What's  that? 
Isembert  \_goes  to  the  window^.     A  note  of  truce  or  of 
retreat ! 
Our  troops  go  over  to  the  enemy ! 
Ermengarde.     What!  my  Proven9als!  God,  I  cannot 
look! 

\Comes  down  stage  and  sinks  on  the  seat. 

Godfrida.     They  strike  at  Siward  ! 
Anselm.  Ah  !  he  is  betrayed  \ 

They  hem  him  round  !     His  own  men  turn  against  him ! 
Ermengarde.     Who  leads  the  rebels  ? 
Isetnbert.  Dagobert,  I  think. 

They  swarm  and  shift.     What !  —  No ;  I  cannot  tell. 

\^Comes  down  quickly  to  the  front. 
ITo  himself .']     This   was   their   plot   then!     And   my 
Cyprian 
The  foremost  in  it  —  sombre,  subtle  knave ! 

Godfrida.     But   look   at   Siward,  fighting!     See   him 
there! 
He  makes  a  space  about  him ! 


ACT  IV]  CODFRIDA  I  1 5 

Anselvt.  Back  to  back, 

Some  one  supports  him  !     Thangbrand  it  must  bo. 
I  too  shall  help  him  ! 

\Goe<!  out  by  the  window. 
Godfrida.  Go,  my  brave  one  ;  go  ! 

Tell  Siward  I  am  waiting  for  him  here. 
Isembsrt  \^at  the  fro7it.     To  himself  ^     On  whose  left 
shall  I  stand  ? 

If  Siward  falls 
Godfrida  might  be  mine.     That  I  must  watch. 

{Goes  quickly  to  the  window. 
Is  Siward  down  ?     I  cannot  see  him  now. 

Godfrida.        1     think    he    cut    his    way    out    of    the 

throng. 
Isembert  [comcs  down   to  Ermengarde].      Madam, 

you  must  determine  — 
Ermengarde  [weakly\  Let  me  be  ! 

Isembert  \comcs  down  to  thef'ont.    To  himself  \    Prov- 
ence is  doomed !     This  feeble  halting  soul, 
Aghast  in  her  despair,  would  cling  to  me 
With  poverty  and  ruin  for  her  dower. 
The  other  woman,  like  a  fount  of  hope, 
Could  help  a  beaten  man  to  win  the  world. 
On  whose  left  shall  I  stand  ?     The  temptress  there, 
The  woman  who  desires  tlie  other's  death, 


Il6  GODFRIDA  [act  iv 

Deserves  herself  to  die.     [Ermengarde  sobs.'\    Madam, 

I  think 
I  'd  better  put  an  end  to  your  distress. 

[/J  restless  movefnent  has  been  itt  progress  among 
the  Halberdiers.     One  or  two  have  already 
stolen  stealthily  out. 
Lieutenant     \_panic-stricken'\.       Esplandian    charges 
home;  the  game  is  up; 
Our  men  on  all  sides  fly !     Each  for  himself ! 

\Cot7ies  down  to  Ermengarde. 
Madam,  you  must  with  us.     Come  ! 
Halberdiers.  Save  yourselves ! 

\_The  panic    becomes  general.      Halberdiers   a7id 
Ladies  rush  out  upper  left.     One  of  the  Hal- 
berdiers drops  his  halbert.      Ermengarde 
staggering  to  her  feet  picks  it  up. 
Ermengarde  {leaning  on  the  halberf].     Here  shall  I 
stay,  and  this  shall  guard  me  now ! 

[Lieutenant  ^tfi?j  out  upper  left. 
You  paltry  coward ! 

Isembert  \to  hi7nself\     So!  some  courage  yet !  .  .  . 
The  quaking  murderers  must  now  be  near.  .  .  . 
Why  should  they  kill  at  all  ?     I  see  no  cause  ; 
No  end  to  serve,  since  Siward's  overthrow 
Destroys  the  world  I  make.     Or  does  some  power 


ACT  IV]  GODFRIDA  \\y 

Abash  my  spirit  ?  —  I  am  purged  of  self ! 
Before  the  hurrying  issue,  life  or  death, 
I  have  become  impartial  destiny  : 
I  hold  the  balances  ;  I  must  be  just ! 
Neither  shall  die ! 

Re-enter  Marcabrun  «;;^Melchior  by  the  low  doorway 
at  the  back,  ninnittg  with  drawn   swords.     Seeing  i 
ISEMBERT  sta7iding  alone,  they  halt.     Isembert  signs 
to  thetn  to  withdraw;  but  Ermengarde  attacks  them 
frantically  with  the  halbert. 

Ermetigarde.        More  cowards  still !     Go  back  ! 
Back  !     Would  you  live  for  ever  ?     Back  and  fight ! 

[The  Spadassins  defend  themselves.  Isembert 
rnnning  to  Ermengarde's  assistance  gets 
upon  her  right. 

Isembert.     Hold,  villains  !     Hold  your  hands ! 
Maixabrun  and  Melchior.  Upon  your  left ! 

{They  wound  Ermengarde  and  run  out  on  the 
right.  The  halbert  falls  from  Ermen- 
garde's hands.  Isembert  supports  her,  and 
GoDFRlDA  ru7is  to  Jicr  assistance. 

Ermengarde.  Godfrida.  {Tries  to  push  her  away. 
GoDFRiDA  moves  from  her.']  Isembert,  did  they 
mistake  ? 


1 1 8  GODFRIDA  [act  iv 

My  heart  ...  Oh  !     Oh  !  ...   I  should  have  burned 

the  witch. 
Isembert.     Help  her,  Godfrida. 

Godfrida.  No ;  my  post  is  here. 

Ermengarde.    The  tournament  is  over.  .  .  .  Home,  my 

lords ! 
Godfrida.     Poor  lady  !  I  will  go  a  little  way. 

[Isembert  a7id  Godfrida  help  Ermengarde  out, 
loiuer  left. 
Enter  Dagobert,  upper  left,  meeting  Ingleram  who 
enters,  wounded,  on  the  right. 

Dagobert.     I  cannot  find  him  anywhere, 

Ingleram.  Nor  I. 

Is  that  Godfrida  ? 

Dagobert.  Yes,  with  Isembert. 

They  help  the  Duchess  hence.     Her  reign  is  done. 
Where  are  the  others  ? 

Inglerajn.  Berthold  fell ;  I  saw 

The  thirsty  earth  lap  up  the  drunkard's  life. 

Dagobert.     But  Cyprian  ? 

Ingleram.  Wounded  to  death,  he  sa3's. 

Dagobert.     If  Si  ward  has  escaped  I'll  find  him  yet. 

\_Goes  out  by  the  right. 

Ingleratn.     And  I'll  find  out  a  surgeon.     If  this  fop 
Encounters  Siward  single-handed,  why 


ACT  IV]  GODFRIDA  II9 

Siward  will  slice  him  as  I  would  a  joint. 

Berthold  and  Dagobert  and  Cyprian  dead, 

Old  Ingleram's  the  only  gleaner  left 

After  Esplandian's  harvest  in  Provence  ! 

I'll  find  a  surgeon  for  old  Ingleram  — 

A  gentle  surgeon  for  old  Ingleram. 

And  for  this  damsel-errant  niece  of  mine, 

I'll  yoke  her  with  a  husband  speedily. 

{Goes  out  upper  left. 

Re-enter  Godfrida  lower  left.  She  crosses  to  the  win- 
doiv  and  looks  out.  Then  I'e-enter  Isembert.  He 
stands  for  a  fuonient,  then  goes  to  Godfrida  and  lays 
his  hafid  on  her  shoulder. 

Isembert.     Godfrida. 

Godfrida.  Leave  me,  sir. 

Isembert.  The  Duchess  paid 

Her  life  for  yours.     I  would  have  saved  you  both : 
IJut  malice,  in  tho  saddle,  spurs  a  course 
Uncurbed,  although  repentance  leap  behind.  — 
The  past  is  done  with ;  here  for  us  begins 
Another  age,  another  world.     Defeat, 
Like  death,  opens  the  gate  of  life :  my  soul 
Arises  from  the  mouldering  sepulchre 
Of  mean  ambition,  spotless  to  achieve 
A  new  device,  a  cognizance  divine. 


120  GODFRIDA  [act  iv 

I  dedicate  my  life  to  you  :  no  word 

Of  love,  no  hint,  no  glance  shall  trouble  you : 

You  shall  be  high  and  sacred.     Come ! 

Godfrida.  I  wait 

On  Siward.     I  am  his. 

Isenibcrt.  Siward  is  dead. 

Godfrida.     He  is  not  dead  !     I  saw  death  at  his  side 
In  ghostly  armour  like  an  angel  tight 
Against  his  foes. 

[^Re-enter  Siward  by  the  window.    He  has  lost  his  hel- 
met, but  is  wiwoimded.  ] 

If  he  be  dead 
Behold  his  radiant  spirit ! 

Siward.  Isembert, 

I  underlie  your  challenge,  and  shall  rob 
The  gallows  of  a  villain.  —      Quickly,  sir. 

Ise7nbert  [choking'].      Devil !    who  sends  you   here   to 
damn  my  soul  ? 
Out  of  the  earth  an  elemental  hate 
Invades  my  spirit  at  the  sight  of  you, 
Dethrones  my  newly  crowned  benevolence, 
And  hurls  me  at  your  throat,  stark  ruffian ! 
Now,  for  Godfrida ! 

Siward.  For  Godfrida,  sir  ! 

[  They  fight. 


ACT  iv]  GODFRIDA  121 

Isembert.     Now  !  now  ! 

\^He  stumbles. 
Siward.  You  '11  spit  yourself  upon  my  sword. 

Take  time  ;  take  breath. 

Isembert.  Your  breath  I  mean  to  take  ! 

He  who  in  single  combat  conquers  you, 
The  undefeated  warrior,  reaps  your  fame. 
And  on  my  brow  I  swear  to  set  that  wreath. 

\_Aitai-ks  Siward. 
Siward.     Not  in  this  region  was  my  coiKjucror  born. 

\^Hc  drives  Isembert  towards  the  window. 
Isembert.     Now !     For  Godfrida !     Now !     Help  me, 
my  heart ! 

\He  is  driven  over  the  window  mortally  wounded, 
the  word  "  heart  "  being  prolonged  into  a  des- 
pairing shriek.  Siward  crosses  quickly  to 
the  right  and  listens  intently.  Godfrida 
looks  fearfully  over  the  window,  and  then 
ru?is  to  Siward. 
Godfrida.  Unsparing  death  !  most  terrible  it  seems  ! 
Must  we  die  too  ? 

Siward.  Yes  ;  when  our  time  shall  come  ; 

Not  now. 

Godfrida.     Rut,  Siward,  Ermengarde  is  dead. 
Siward.     How  did  she  die  ? 


122  GOD  FR  ID  A  [act  iv 

Godfrida.  By  treachery.     I  fear 

She  fell  upon  the  swords  she  aimed  at  me. 

Siward.     Treason  on  every  hand  —  a  pestilence 
Inherent  in  the  air  !  —  They  come  ?  —  Not  yet ! 

Godfrida.     Who   come .-' 

Siward.  My    horses.       Thangbrand 

brings  them  up, 
And  Ansclm.     Hearts  of  gold  !     They  will  not  fail : 
When  Thangbrand  sounds  his  horn  the  way  is  clear. 

Godfrida.     Betrayed  and  hunted,  why  are  you  so  glad, 
So  like  a  conqueror .? 

Siward.  And  so  I  am  ! 

I  cleft  a  passage  through  a  hundred  foes  ! 
Each  nerve  and  sinew,  every  sounding  pulse 
That  marks  the  tramp  of  life  along  my  veins 
Is  charged  to  do  my  will  triumphantly. 
Anselm  shall  guide  us  safe  to  Avignon, 
And  there  we  shall  be  married. 

Godfrida.  When  ? 

Siward.  To-morrow. 

Knight-errant  and  his  lady,  we  shall  ride 
Across  the  plains  of  France,  home  to  the  north 
Where  kindly  cold  can  temper  human  hearts, 
And  faith  unflinching  welds  the  souls  of  men. 

Godfrida.     Our  souls  are  welded. 


ACT  IV]  GOD  FR  ID  A  1 23 

Siioard  {taking  both   her   hands].      Will    you    come 
with  me  ? 

Godfrtifa.     Now,  as  I  am.     Take  me  to  life  or  doatli. 

Siward.     The  way  is  long. 

Godfrida.  My  love  will  never  end. 

Siward.     I  have  no  friend,  no  fortune  but  my  sword. 

Godfrida.    I  bring  you  nothing  —  nothing  but  my  love. 

Siward.     Peril  shall  haunt  our  steps. 

Godfrida.  Peril  is  wine  : 

I  know  its  exaltation  ! 

Siward.  Calumny 

May  overcast  your  fame. 

Godfrida.  Not  in  your  thought ! 

You  cannot  frighten  me.     I  am  your  mate  ! 

Siward.     My  mate  ?  my  queen  ! 

{The  lo7c<  note  of  a  bugle  is  heard  on  the  right.'] 
The  signal!  —  Think  again. 
Godfrida,  will  you,  dare  you  follow  me  ? 

Godfrida.       Sweetly    and   valiantly   through     all    the 
world. 

Curtain. 


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